The Monkeygate incident is a controversial event that took place at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2008. Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh was accused of directing racial abuse at Aussie cricketer Andrew Symonds. Controversy trailed the accusation and led to strained cricket relations between both countries.
When Did the Monkeygate Incident Happen?
The Monkeygate incident took place in January 2008. Symonds claimed Singh called him a “monkey” during the second IND vs AUS Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Harbhajan Singh Recounts His Experience from the Monkeygate Incident?
Singh recently shared his version of events several years after the Monkeygate incident. He talked on Backstage with Boria and had this to say:
“Obviously I was disturbed, I couldn’t understand why it was happening. Why was there so much of… for something that hadn’t happened. They had six or seven witnesses for something that I had not said. No one had heard it and yet it was blown out of proportion,” Singh said.
He revealed insults were targeted at him too during the encounter, but he decided to not publicize his experience to avoid more controversy:
“The things that were said to me (while) on the ground, ‘you have testicles on your head’, to hear such an insult towards my religion was the most difficult thing for me. I didn’t open mouth then because if I did so, it would have resulted in more controversies,” Singh added.
Broadcaster Apologises for ‘Monkeygate-esque’ Remark at BGT 2024/25
Fox Sports broadcaster Isa Guha was at the centre of controversy during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar 2024/25. The pundit referred to Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the ‘Most Valuable Primate’, sparking immediate condemnation from fans on social media. She had to tender an apology during the next broadcast:
“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways,” she said while sandwiched by ex-Team India player Ravi Shastri and Aussie Adam Gilchrist.
“I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of 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.”
Top 4 Controversial Moments in Border-Gavaskar Trophy History
2008: ‘Monkeygate’ Scandal
Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was accused of racially abusing Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds by allegedly calling the Aussie a “monkey.” The incident led to tensions between both teams. A hearing by the International Cricket Council (ICC) investigated the matter afterward.
2008: Umpiring Controversies in Sydney
The same Sydney Test was marred by strange umpiring decisions. Over 8 out of 11 controversial umpiring calls went against India, sparking condemnation from members of the cricket community. These decisions played a pivotal role in the match’s outcome and strained relations between the teams.
2012-2013: ‘Homeworkgate’ Incident
Four Australian players were suspended for failing to complete a task assigned by coach Mickey Arthur. The players – Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson, James Pattinson, and Usman Khawaja – were left out of that season’s BGT, drawing widespread criticism while exposing internal issues within the Australian camp.
2020-2021: Racism Incident at SCG
Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah faced racist remarks from fans during the BGT 2020/21. Umpires halted the match temporarily and several spectators were asked to leave the stadium.
India’s Poor Bowling Effect at BGT 2024/25 Series Sticks Out Amid Controversy
Team India’s woes in the ongoing BGT 2024/25 show no signs of abating soon. The team’s bowling was evidently in tatters as they faced Australia in Brisbane. Poor bowling from Team India cricketers allowed the Aussies take control of the Brisbane Test in comfortable fashion.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel believes a combination of great Australian batting and inferior Indian balls is responsible for their current woes:
“First of all, we can say he’s (Travis Head) in pretty good form. But I think for us with the ball, if you look at it from overs 50 to 80, even in the last game, is where we fall short, leaking (runs) a little bit. So, that’s one area I think we need to get better at,” Morkel said.
“First up with the ball this morning, we were pretty good, at 3 for 70, but took nothing away from two world-class players, Smith we know, he’s a guy who also can bat long and score runs. They (Travis Head and Smith) put a partnership there and put us under pressure with a softer ball,” the bowling coach added.
