The “Monkeygate” scandal is one of the most controversial incidents in cricket history, stemming from a racial abuse allegation during the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia. Recently, the controversy has resurfaced, drawing comparisons due to a remark made by Isa Guha about Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
This article breaks down the original Monkeygate scandal, its significance, and the recent controversy involving Isa Guha.
What Was the Monkeygate Scandal?
The Monkeygate scandal occurred during the 2007-08 Border-Gavaskar Test series. Here’s a quick summary:
| Date | Incident |
|---|---|
| January 5, 2008 | Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was accused of calling Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds a “monkey” during the Sydney Test. |
| Allegation | Symonds, of Caribbean descent, took the term as a racial slur. |
| Outcome | Harbhajan was initially banned for three matches, but the ban was overturned after an appeal by the Indian cricket board (BCCI). The charge was downgraded to using offensive language. |
The scandal strained India-Australia cricket relations and impacted Symonds’ career.
Read Also:- IND vs AUS Test Series Head-to-Head
The Recent Jasprit Bumrah and Isa Guha Incident
During the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, former England cricketer Isa Guha referred to Jasprit Bumrah as a “Most Valuable Primate (MVP)” during live commentary. This comment, made while praising Bumrah’s exceptional bowling performance at the Gabba, sparked outrage for its perceived racial undertone.
*Isa Guha https://t.co/VgmsHxoG21 pic.twitter.com/zWTJ8HUxXE
— Matt Krawczyk (@mjkrawz) December 15, 2024
Isa Guha has issued an apology after the popular commentator triggered an outcry by describing Jasprit Bumrah as India's 'most valuable primate'.
— The Roar (@TheRoarSports) December 16, 2024
READ MORE: https://t.co/et3kUqzMJy pic.twitter.com/ZTBhpN3DLC
What Happened?
- Bumrah took two quick wickets in the opening session on Day 2.
- Brett Lee, also on commentary, praised Bumrah’s figures of 2-4 in five overs.
- Isa Guha added, “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate.”
Fans quickly criticized Guha for her choice of words, with many drawing parallels to the 2008 Monkeygate scandal.
Isa Guha Apologizes over 'Racist Remark' about Jasprit Bumrah.
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 16, 2024
– Ravi Shastri appreciating Isa Guha as he said "Brave woman to apologise on live television takes some steel". pic.twitter.com/RVrNys40Kw
Public Reactions
The comment led to widespread backlash on social media:
| Reaction | Details |
|---|---|
| Fans’ Criticism | Many labeled Guha’s remark as insensitive, highlighting the racial undertones. |
| Comparisons to Monkeygate | Fans revisited the infamous 2008 scandal, linking the two incidents. |
One fan tweeted, “Unbelievable that in 2024, such remarks are still made on air.”
Bumrah’s Performance Amid Controversy
Despite the controversy, Jasprit Bumrah shone on the field, finishing Day 2 with figures of 5/72. However, India struggled overall, with Australia dominating through centuries by Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101).
The Monkeygate scandal remains a painful chapter in cricket history, and the recent incident involving Isa Guha’s comment about Jasprit Bumrah has reignited debates about racism and sensitivity in the sport. While cricket has made efforts to address these issues, incidents like this highlight the ongoing challenges.
- The Monkeygate scandal in 2008 involved allegations of racial abuse against Harbhajan Singh, which strained India-Australia cricket relations.
- In 2024, Isa Guha’s “Most Valuable Primate” comment about Jasprit Bumrah drew sharp criticism, sparking comparisons to Monkeygate.
- The cricketing world must continue addressing sensitive issues to ensure the sport remains inclusive and respectful.
