A cricket commentator has apologised after a bizarre, sexist moment during a women’s T20 International between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Roshan Abeysinghe was left confused when a no-ball was called on Bangladesh left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, which initially appeared to be a front-foot error.
His shock was based on the bizarre concept a woman could not deliver a front-foot no-ball because of the size of her strides.
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“It’s a no ball as well. Now this is unpardonable,” Abeysinghe said.
“Unpardonable on two counts: one, a spinner; second thing, a lady… a women’s cricketer. I don’t think they have big strides, so in that context, very very surprised how she could overstep.”
Replays showed she did not overstep and in fact accidentally knocked the bails off with her foot.
However the response to his comments was scathing.
After women’s cricket commentator Georgie Heath declared “this commentator should be removed from ever commentating on women’s cricket again”, Abeysinghe responded with an apology.
“Hi Georgie let me extend an unconditional apology if you or anyone else were offended. The comments were never meant to be insulting, but was made through a pure cricketing angle innocently. Still I am willing say sorry and stand corrected. Once again my apologies sincerely,” he wrote.
Bangladesh won the match, chasing down the target of 146 with one ball remaining.
