India: Former India cricketer and commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has opened up about a deeply distressing episode from his broadcasting career, revealing that he was asked to resume commentary duties just hours after performing the last rites of his elder brother. The revelation has sparked fresh debate around workplace sensitivity and professional expectations in Indian cricket.
Asked to report for duty amid personal grief
In a series of posts on social media, Sivaramakrishnan described the emotional turmoil he faced when a senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allegedly instructed him to travel for work immediately after his brother’s cremation.
According to his account, the incident occurred a few years ago. He had just completed the cremation rituals in the evening when he received a call asking him to take an early morning flight to Mohali to commentate on an India vs Australia Test match.
Despite the circumstances, Sivaramakrishnan said he complied with the directive, putting professional responsibility ahead of personal mourning.
“I sacrificed the mourning and went,” he wrote, highlighting the emotional burden of the decision.
Personal losses during commentary career
The former leg-spinner also shared that this was not an isolated instance where personal tragedy coincided with professional commitments. He recalled that his mother passed away while he was working as a commentator in Pune, adding to the list of sacrifices he made during his career.
These experiences, he suggested, reflect the demanding nature of sports broadcasting, where individuals are often expected to prioritise assignments regardless of personal situations.
His revelations have drawn attention to the lack of empathy that can sometimes exist in high-pressure professional environments, particularly in roles tied to live events and tight schedules.
Link to recent retirement decision
Sivaramakrishnan’s statements come weeks after he stepped away from the BCCI commentary panel ahead of the IPL 2026 season. At the time, he cited “colour discrimination” as one of the reasons behind his decision, alleging that he had been sidelined in favour of newer entrants.
In a follow-up post, he indicated that the same official involved in the cremation incident played a role in his eventual exit from commentary. However, he refrained from naming the individual.
The allegations have not yet received an official response from the BCCI.
A notable cricketing and commentary career
Sivaramakrishnan, now 60, was known for his skills as a leg-spinner during his playing days. He represented India in 9 Test matches and 16 One Day Internationals, picking up 26 and 15 wickets respectively.
After retiring from international cricket, he transitioned into commentary around 2000 and became a familiar voice in Indian cricket over the next two decades. His insights and experience made him a respected figure in the broadcasting space.
Over the years, he contributed to coverage of major tournaments, bilateral series and domestic competitions, earning recognition among cricket audiences.
Debate over workplace sensitivity
His recent revelations have triggered conversations on social media and within cricketing circles about the importance of empathy and humane treatment in professional settings.
Experts and fans alike have pointed out that while live sports broadcasting demands commitment, organisations must also account for the emotional well-being of individuals, especially during moments of personal loss.
The incident has also raised broader questions about work culture in sports administration and whether adequate support systems are in place for professionals dealing with grief.
Conclusion
Sivaramakrishnan’s account sheds light on the often unseen challenges faced by commentators and professionals behind the scenes. While dedication to work is commendable, his experience underscores the need for a more compassionate approach in managing human resources, particularly during times of personal hardship.