BCCI Contracted Commentators Allowed to Write Columns

The BCCI contracted commentators are allowed to write columns in newspapers as the Committee of Administrators (COA) has decided not to ban this right, as per a report in The Indian Express. The report also adds that had COA took off this right from commentators, it would have curbed their freedom.

Earlier, it was reported that BCCI was planning to ask the contracted commentators to write columns for BCCI instead of newspapers. This would have barred them from writing columns for others. Also, doing commentary and writing columns for others is a Conflict of Interest.

Presently, Sunil Gavaskar, Harsha Bhogle, Sanjay Manjrekar and Murali Kartik are contracted with BCCI. The first three commentators write columns and also appear as guests on various shows. BCCI was looking to ask them to choose between one, but now, they have been allowed to continue their work outside as well.

Other commentators like Virender Sehwag, Akash Chopra, Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan are not contracted with BCCI, and they can do extra work too. Both Sehwag and Chopra also make a presence on TV shows as well. Chopra also writes articles for various publications.

Sehwag, Chopra, and Nehra are contracted with Star and will be doing commentary during India tour of Sri Lanka in March. Since Star also holds the broadcasting rights of IPL, Chopra will also be commentating during IPL. Sehwag (Kings XI Punjab)  and Nehra (Royal Challengers Bangalore) are a part of coaching staff in IPL associated with different franchises.

The BCCI contracted commentators will also do commentary in IPL, regardless of broadcasters.

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