Hussain's 'donkey' jive evokes sharp reactions

Former England captain Nasser Hussain's controversial comparison of Indian fielders to 'donkeys' on Friday drew flak from former cricketers and the BCCI which has promised to look into what it called "totally uncalled for" remarks.

Strongly objecting to Hussain's comments during the one-off Twenty20 between India and England on Wednesday, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla said the Board would look into the 'donkey' comment.

"Hussain's comment was totally uncalled for. One should adopt restraint while making observations about players. Commentators should not make such comments. We will definitely look into it," Shukla told reporters outside the Parliament.

"Every player has to be respected irrespective of his performance. I don't think this comment was appropriate," he added.

Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin said Hussain should apologise.

"I feel he should not have said that, he should apologise. Nasser has been a captain. He should not have said so...he should tender an apology. There are many ways of commenting but calling players donkey is unbecoming of a player of his stature," Azharuddin said.

Asked whether Nasser should be removed from the panel of commentators, Azharuddin said, "I do not know about that but he should definitely tender an apology to the Indian team specially to those fielders at that time."

Former India opener, Anshuman Gaekwad said the comment was uncalled for.

"It was uncalled for. The BCCI should take it up, the Indian cricket team should take it up because it was an extraordinary comment," he said.

"He should know where England was, it took them almost two decades (to reach where they are at the moment). Nasser should know where he was when he started his career and where he was by the time he ended," he said.

Zaheer Abbas, the elegant Pakistani batsman of yesteryears, urged the BCCI to complain against Hussain and make sure such things are not repeated.

"You cannot call anybody a donkey. The BCCI should complain to the channel and he should be warned," Abbas said.

A member of the commentary panel covering the series, Hussain's comment came after Parthiv Patel misjudged Kevin Pietersen's catch off Munaf Patel's bowling.

"I would say the difference between the two side is the fielding. England are all-round good fielding side. I do believe that India have few...3 or 4 very good fielders and one or two donkeys in the field still," Hussain had said.