'Stupid conflict of interest clause' - Ravi Shastri on not being able to commentate in IPL

Ravi Shastri, the former India coach, has slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for preventing him from commentating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a long period of time. The former all-rounder was unavailable for the role of a commentator because he was the Indian cricket team’s head coach.

Due to a ‘conflict of interest clause’ imposed by the BCCI, he was also unable to sit in the commentary box during the IPL. On Tuesday, Shastri, who’s set to give his voice in the upcoming IPL 2022, gave an explanation for his absence from commentary.

“This is the 15th edition of the IPL, I did the first 11 years and then thanks to some stupid conflict of interest clause that exists in some stupid constitution that binds us, you could not do the last few seasons,” he said in a press conference organized by Star Sports.

Ravi Shastri to deliver Hindi commentary

For the first time in the IPL, Ravi Shastri will deliver Hindi commentary. According to reports, the expert, who usually delivers narration in English, has practiced in Hindi to improve his knowledge of the dialect.

Together with Shastri, retired India batter Suresh Raina will be member of Star Sports’ top commentary team for the coveted tournament’s forthcoming 15th season. On Raina’s IPL heroics, Shastri added, “You call him Mr. IPL, I cannot disagree. He lit up the IPL, to play consecutive seasons for a team without missing a match is a real big compliment in itself. He is one of the highest scorers in the history of the competition.”

After a successful spell as an India player, the 59-year-old Shastri has created a reputation for himself behind the microphone, and audiences will once more experience the former all-booming rounder’s voice in the commentary box. Last December, Shastri also voiced his unhappiness with the particular clause.

Meanwhile, IPL 2022 will kick off on Saturday (March 26) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai with an encounter between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.