Overview:
He became a household name after taking 12 wickets in a Test against England in 1984. Sivaramakrishnan was one of the top performers in India's success in the 1985 Benson & Hedges World Championship under Sunil Gavaskar's leadership.
Former India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has retired from the commentary panel of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He spoke about the lack of opportunities and also accused the Indian Cricket Board of colour discrimination. According to him, he was not given the chance to conduct the toss and presentation ceremonies, and discrimination also influenced his decision. Legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also reacted to Laxman’s statement.
“I am retiring from commentary for BCCI,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote on his ‘X’ handle.
I am retiring from commentary for BCCI
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) March 20, 2026
If I have not been used for TOSSES and PRESENTATION for 23 years and new comers come in do pitch report Tosses Presentation even when Shastri was coaching, what do you think could be the reason
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) March 20, 2026
“If I have not been used for TOSSES and PRESENTATION for 23 years, and newcomers come in to pitch report Tosses Presentation even when Shastri was coaching, what do you think could be the reason?” he added.
The former spinner, who was a part of nine Test matches and 16 ODIs, accused the BCCI of colour discrimination.

Ashwin was disappointed with Sivaramakrishnan’s call.
“Oh no! Why not this IPL?” he wrote.
Oh no! Why not this IPL? https://t.co/ZufOluzyoG
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 20, 2026
Sivaramakrishnan started his commentary career in 2000. He was also a player representative on the expert committee of the ICC.
He became a household name after taking 12 wickets in a Test against England in 1984. Sivaramakrishnan was one of the top performers in India’s success in the 1985 Benson & Hedges World Championship under Sunil Gavaskar’s leadership.
He was spot on in the final against Pakistan as the Men in Green were restricted to 176/9, with India completing the target after losing just two wickets.
He was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, a remarkable feat for a spinner considering Australia’s conditions.

