Garrulous Kerry O'Keeffe's commentary to be blacked out in India
O’Keefe kicked up the controversy during the recently concluded Melbourne Test when he remarked that the debutant Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja.
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Indian viewers may not have to deal with Kerry O’Keeffe and his unconventional comments on air anymore. Controversial Australian commentator has reportedly been blacked out by the Indian broadcaster of the ongoing India-Australia series for the fourth Test that started in Sydney on Thursday.
If media reports are to be believed, Sony Television Network has now taken the decision to ‘blackout’ 69-year-old garrulous commentator’s commentary from their telecast in India. The decision was taken amid his debatable remarks on Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and Mayank Aggarwal which led to social media outrage against such inappropriate behaviour.
According to Mumbai Mirror, the Indian broadcaster uses 30 minutes of its own commentary from its studios in Mumbai and then takes commentary from the feed of Fox for the next half an hour. Sony has decided that Fox commentary will not be heard by Indian viewers when former Aussie cricketer is on air.
We’re sensitive to that matter
“We cannot have someone making snide remarks on Indian players,” a source close to the development told Mumbai Mirror. The sources from the broadcaster ruled out any pressure from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or any other authority. “We’re sensitive to that matter, we don’t need to be told,” the source further added.
O’Keefe kicked up the controversy during the recently concluded Melbourne Test when he remarked that the debutant Mayank Agarwal’s Ranji Trophy triple-century came against ‘Jalandhar Railway canteen staff’ and opposition could have comprised of ‘chefs and waiters’. He drew further ire on social media when he said on air — “Why would you name your kid Cheteshwar Jadeja?” — after failing to pronounce either name.
Indian fans blamed him for racial abuse which led to an apology from the commentator and it didn’t come without the pressure from India and the Australian side has clearly been made aware of India’s displeasure.
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