BCCI hastily deleted a birthday message for record Test wicket-taker Anil Kumble Tuesday after irate fans took offence at the spinning great being described simply as a “former bowler”.
The row follows Kumble’s acrimonious departure as national coach in June, when he quit saying his relationship with captain Virat Kohli was “untenable”.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India joined in the well wishes for Kumble’s 47th birthday but quickly backtracked after its low-key description sent fans into a spin.
BCCI @BCCI deletes tweet on Anil Kumble @anilkumble1074 after attack. Damage control mode now #cricket pic.twitter.com/QMurVOfZF2
— APRAMEYA .C (@APRAMEYAC) October 17, 2017
Fans of Kumble were angered, saying the board was playing down the achievements of India’s greatest bowler.
BCCI trolling Kumble on his birthday!
— Nishith (@Nicks103) October 17, 2017
@BCCI @anilkumble1074 …he is not only a bowler.. he is one of the best coach for # TeamIndia. So @BCCI pls don’t utter a tweet like this.
— Riyas Rahman KSD (@RiyasRahmanKsd) October 17, 2017
Such is an influence of Virat Kohli that even BCCI forgot Anil Kumble was once the Indian captain and coach, as well.
— Gautam Sodhi (@GautamSodhi1) October 17, 2017
He was also coach for a year, you know? Like, last year
— Deepak Sarathy (@DeepakSarathy) October 17, 2017
Should have used “legend” word ☺
— Virat Kohli (@ViratsSena) October 17, 2017
Other fans urged the board to give Kumble his “due respect”. The BCCI then tweeted another message calling him “former captain” and “legend”, but the damage was done.
Here’s wishing a very happy birthday to former #TeamIndia Captain Mr. Anil Kumble #Legend #HappyBirthdayJumbo pic.twitter.com/uX52m8yYif
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 17, 2017
Kumble’s relationship with the BCCI was the subject of much speculation after his resignation. It was reported that board officials tried to salvage ties between Kumble amd Kohli, but that the relationship was beyond repair.
Kumble, who played for India for 17 years, has never commented publicly on the matter. Ravi Shastri was since been appointed coach of the Indian side.
The former skipper also received brithday wishes from current former Indian players.
Wish you a very happy birthday, Kumbels! You have been an inspiration for generations together and will continue to be one. pic.twitter.com/3vqMpqhu6E
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 17, 2017
On Dhanteras, wishing one of India’s greatest Dhan @anilkumble1074 bhai a very happy birthday.
Jai jai Shiv Shambho,Happy Birthday Jumbo ! pic.twitter.com/avEDcOgeWJ— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 17, 2017
A very happy birthday to one of the finest players & an amazing human being. Always inspiring. Have a wonderful year ahead @anilkumble1074.
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) October 17, 2017
Truly one of the legends of Indian cricket and played massive part in Indian cricket’s success. Many happy returns @anilkumble1074
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 17, 2017
Happy Birthday to one of the legends of World Cricket @anilkumble1074 . Truly an inspiration for all of us. Have a great year ahead sir.😊☺
— Jasprit bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) October 17, 2017
Very happy birthday @anilkumble1074! Wishing you a fantastic, most amazing and an incredible day. Lots of love and success to you! 🎂✌️ pic.twitter.com/BhC65ITp11
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 17, 2017
A perfect role model, an inspiration to many and a very humble man. Happy birthday @anilkumble1074! God bless. pic.twitter.com/2u41DG9Q7R
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 17, 2017
Kumble, or ‘Jumbo’ as he is fondly known, remains India’s highest Test wicket-taker with his 619 scalps in 132 matches.
