Commentator Makes Sexist Remark On Air During SL vs BAN Women's T20I, Apologises Later

Sri Lankan commentator Roshan Abeysinghe made a disturbing remark while suggesting how a front foot no-ball from a woman cricketer was "unpardonable".

The incident happened happened in the 13th over of the Sri Lankan innings when left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter was bowling and Sri Lankan commentator Roshan Abeysinghe was on air. ( Image Source :Screengrab From Video On Twitter/@GeorgieHeath27 )

In a shocking bit of commentary, Sri Lankan cricket commentator Roshan Abeysinghe made a sexist remark on air while describing the passage of play during the first T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Women in Colombo. The baffling incident which has angered several fans and cricket journalists happened in the 13th over of the Sri Lankan innings when left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter was bowling.

In the third ball of the over, the umpire signalled a no-ball but Abeysinghe while describing the event used bizarre logic to suggest how the act was "unpardonable" assuming that the call was for a front foot offence.

"It’s a no-ball as well. Now this is unpardonable on two counts. One, a spinner. Second thing, a lady. A women’s cricketer. I don’t think they have big strides," Abeysinghe said on air. However, when replays showed that the no-ball call was because of the bowler dislodging the bails of the stumps at the non-striking end, he once again said that he was right that the no-ball couldn't have been because of the stride.

The video of his disturbing commentary even surfaced on social media. A journalist wanted him removed from commentary on all women's matches. Another piece of comment on the viral clip read: "Such a crap bit of commentary from start to finish. If he took a break from his nonsensical sexist comments, he might have noticed the bails were knocked off. Maddening for so many reasons."

From today’s T20 international. “It’s a no-ball as well. Now this is unpardonable on two counts. One, a spinner. Second thing, a lady. A women’s cricketer. I don’t think they have big strides.” #SAvBAN pic.twitter.com/9KXIuLsou0

— Kit Harris (@cricketkit) May 9, 2023

However, Abeysinghe did offer an unconditional apology for his remark and said that he stands corrected. 

"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.

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.

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) May 10, 2023