BBC presenter Isa Guha has issued a sincere apology after becoming embroiled in a racism storm for branding Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah a "primate" during coverage. Guha sparked outrage for her comment while she was working for Fox Sports during the Australia vs India Test match in Brisbane.

The former England cricket star helmed the Australian broadcaster's coverage alongside commentators Allan Border and Brett Lee at The Gabba.

During a live exchange in the first session of day two, Lee noted: "Bumrah, today: five overs, 2-4. So, that's the tone, and that's what you want from the ex-skipper."

Guha responded: "Well, he's the MVP, isn't he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah.

"He is the one that's going to do all the talking for India, and why so much focus was on him in the build-up to this Test match, and whether he would be fit."

The remark wasn't received well in India, with newspaper The Times of India comparing it to "monkeygate" in 2008.

In that scandal 16 years ago, Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was accused of describing Andrew Symonds as a "monkey."

A spokesperson for the Indian cricket team claimed they did not hear Guha's comment and insisted they wouldn't discuss the matter with Bumrah before the close of play.

Guha - whose parents are from Kolkata - is one of sport's leading British Asian presenters and heads the BBC's television coverage of cricket.

She has also worked across Wimbledon for the Beeb and at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Last night, Guha took time live on air to apologise for her "primate" comment, stressing that she had only meant to praise Bumrah.

“Yesterday in commentary, I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I’d like to apologise for any offence caused,” she explained on Fox Sports.

"I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others. If you listen to the full transcript, I only meant the highest praise for one of India's greatest players. And someone that I admire greatly.

"I'm an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game.

"I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement, and I've chosen the wrong word. For that, I am deeply sorry.

"As someone who is also of South Asian heritage, I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn't overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far – and I look forward to seeing how it progresses."