Chennai: Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan announced his retirement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) commentary panel on Friday, ending a 23-year broadcasting career while levelling explosive allegations of "colour discrimination" and systemic bias within the industry.

The 60-year-old confirmed his departure through a series of social media posts that suggested a deep-seated dissatisfaction with his tenure. Responding to inquiries about why he was rarely assigned high-profile roles such as conducting tosses or post-match presentations, Sivaramakrishnan pointed to a lack of opportunity even during the absence of senior commentators. The discussion took a sharp turn when he explicitly agreed with a user suggesting his skin colour was a factor, replying, "You are right. Colour Discrimination."

In a cryptic and strongly worded follow-up post, Sivaramakrishnan warned that his retirement was only the start of a larger revelation. "This retirement is only the beginning of a story when told, general public, cricket fans and everyone will be utterly Shocked," he wrote. He added that while those who "hate" him may be delighted, the details of his experience would leave the "BCCI in disbelief."

Ashwin Questions Timing

The announcement drew an immediate reaction from veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Taking to X, Ashwin expressed surprise at the suddenness of the decision, especially with the 2026 Indian Premier League season approaching. "Oh no! Why not this IPL?" Ashwin posted, questioning the timing of the veteran broadcaster’s choice to step away just before the league’s commencement.

Sivaramakrishnan, a teenage sensation during India’s 1985 World Championship of Cricket victory, had been a mainstay on the BCCI world feed since the early 2000s. Known for his technical expertise on spin bowling, he transitioned from an international playing career of nine Tests and 16 One-Day Internationals into one of the most recognisable voices in Indian cricket.