Former India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan retires as BCCI commentator; makes shocking claims

In a shocking thread of posts on X, former India leg spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan on Friday (March 20) announced retirement from BCCI's commentary panel after a 23-year broadcasting stint.

After making the announcement, Sivaramakrishanan, who has on previous occasions alleged that he was racially discriminated, said he will share more shocking news as a "story of tv production unfolds".

In a separate post that is now deleted, the 60-year-old threatened that cricket fans will be "utterly shocked" and that the BCCI would be in "disbelief".

Further, in a direct attack on former team India all-rounder Ravi Shastri, Sivaramakrishnan alleged that he was not given an opportunity at toss even when the Shastri was the head coach of the Indian team, while "new comers" had already done pitch reports.

Responding to inquires, Sivaramakrishnan explicitly agreed with a user suggesting his skin colour was a factor, replying, "You are right. Colour Discrimination.

R Ashwin responds

Former India off-spinner and fellow Tamil Nadu cricketer R Ashwin questioned the timing of retirement, asking why he would not retire after the conclusion of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

"Oh no! Why not this IPL 2026?" Ashwin said in a post on X.

Sivaramakrishnan was a teenage sensation who finished as the highest wicket taker in India's World Championship of Cricket triumph in 1985.

He was a mainstay on the BCCI world feed since the 2000s. He is known for his technical expertise on spin bowling.

Sivaramakrishnan played nine Tests and 16 One-day Internationals for India in the 1980s.