Clarke joins IPL commentary team; Bhogle excluded for the second time

Photo: @MClarke23

New Delhi: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke will be joining an elite panel of commentators comprising Kevin Pietersen, Sunil Gavaskar for the upcoming tenth edition of Indian Premier League, according to the list released by BCCI.

There was no mention of veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle, which meant he will be out of the commentary team of IPL for the second year in a row.

As many as 20 commentators will be traveling across the country to lend their perspective on the game over the course of 47 days across 10 different venues.

Clarke, who was a part of the commentary panel in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar series was looking forward to an enjoyable IPL journey.

"I have been a part of this tournament as a player and this year I am eager to get behind the microphone and have some fun. Love this place, love the tournament and it is great to be a part of this commentary team."

A few additions to the list along with a blend of veterans are bound to give the cricket loving fan a fine view point of the game from the technical and entertainment aspect.

Sanjay Manjrekar, who has been quite the IPL veteran is excited about the grand 10th edition.

"It doesn't get any bigger and better than this," he said.

"I have always loved this tournament and this year it is going to be no different with the IPL getting into its 10th year. One can expect a lot of surprises and some adrenaline pumping action on the field. Can't wait to set the ball rolling."

Apart from the big names the list also includes four female voices – Anjum Chopra, Isha Guha, Lisa Sthalekar and Melanie Jones.

"It was a great initiative by the BCCI in 2015 to include women cricketers into the commentary panel," Lisa Sthalekar, former Australia captain said.

"I had a great time discussing the game with Anjum Chopra, Isa Guha, Melanie Jones and the rest of the commentators and I expect this year's stint with the IPL to be even better."

Pietersen, on once again joining the IPL bandwagon, said: "It's always great to be in India and playing in or commentating on all of the explosive action that personifies the IPL. Coming back this time as a commentator is going to be an experience I will cherish for a long time."

Full List: 

Sanjay Manjrekar  Scott Styris

Ravi Shastri  Pommie Mbangwa

Sunil Gavaskar  Simon Doull

L Siva          Anjum Chopra

D Morrison          Isa Guha

Michael Hussey  Lisa Sthalekar

Matthew Hayden  Melanie Jones

Micheal Clarke  Murali Kartik

Brett Lee          Kevin Pietersen

Brendon Julien  Daren  Ganga