Harsha Bhogle's call to ban India cricketers from 'having PR agencies' sparks fans demand to focus on 'root issue'

Noted cricket commentator and expert Harsha Bhogle’s recent social media post asking the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ban Indian cricket team players from “having PR agencies” has caused a massive debate online. Bhogle, who is also known as the ‘Voice of Cricket’ in India, made the above-mentioned suggestion while reacting to reports that the cricket board is set to bring in a slew of changes to change the team culture after a disastrous tour of Australia .

Team India was routed 3-1 by Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar series. India had lost 3-0 to New Zealand at home before their tour Down Under.

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After the assessment of India’s loss was done during a recent meeting between head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, multiple reports have claimed that the BCCI can bring in an old rule back that allowed wives, girlfriends, and other family members of players to be with the team only for two weeks in an overseas tour lasting 45 days or more.

This is apparently being done because the team management felt that there was a lack of cohesiveness among the players who prefer to spend time with their family members during the tours rather than taking part in team-building exercises.

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Reacting to the reports that BCCI will bring restrictions on private travel, Bhogle said he’s not sure which reports to trust at the moment but he would want a ban on cricketers having PR agencies.

“Reading of the changes the BCCI is apparently suggesting for the Indian team. I don’t know how much to believe but if I had to nominate one rule to be strictly applied, it would be to ban team members from having PR agencies,” he wrote on X.

Reading of the changes the BCCI is apparently suggesting for the Indian team. I don't know how much to believe but if I had to nominate one rule to be strictly applied, it would be to ban team members from having PR agencies

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 15, 2025

Reacting to Bhogle’s explosive suggestion, the cricket fraternity, especially the fans on social media, demanded the BCCI to bring in necessary changes that will help in addressing the “root issues”.

“Harsha Bhogle suggests banning PR agencies for Indian players, but what about the toxic fan culture fueled by these agencies? Let’s address the root issue: promoting sportsmanship over sensationalism,” a fan wrote on X. “Can we focus on the game, not the gossip?”

Another fan said: “India’s poor form sparks a shake-up! 🚨 BCCI steps in with changes, while Harsha Bhogle takes a bold stand: ‘Ban PR agencies to prioritize cricket over image-building.’ Time to focus on the game, not the glam!”

You know a problem is real when Harsha Bhogle stops playing safe with his opinions on cricket. https://t.co/3qoq9axZfG

— Zucker Doctor (@DoctorLFC) January 15, 2025

It’s no secret that cricketers frequently work with PR agencies to manage their public image and social media. While these agencies help them maintain a consistent image, they often play a role in setting the narrative as well.

While the media reports are abuzz with the changes BCCI can make, the cricket board has not yet made any official announcement. It will be interesting to see what fundamental changes the board makes in the aftermath of two consecutive Test series defeats.