Nasser Hussain's 'Donkey' remark outrages BCCI

Foul-mouthed Nasser Hussain faces BCCI outrage

The BCCI today confirmed Nasser Hussain would be referred to Simon Taufel after ‘serious question marks’ arose over the ex-England’s captain’s accuracy during his commentary on Wednesday’s T20I. Speaking on air after another sub par performance in the field from the tourists, Hussain drew apoplexy by claiming: “I do believe that India have few…three or four very good fielders and one or two donkeys in the field still.” His words were greeted with an embarrassed silence by co-commentators Michael Atherton and Alastair Cook.

The remarks have provoked anger in India and brought a strong rebuke from BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, who said: “I do not think this comment was appropriate. I have watched us throughout the entire summer and to say we have three or four good fielders is absolutely ridiculous. We might have one or two, but these comments are a complete fabrication. Commentators should not make such comments.”

The controversy has heaped yet more pressure on Hussain, who has already faced criticism for accepting payment from the shadowy Sky TV network in order to put forward what have been termed ‘opinions ‘ by some parts of the media. It remains unclear what sanctions the BCCI have the power to enforce, but the most likely punishment is that Hussain will have 1984 read to him by Ravi Shastri.