The Indian Premier League (IPL) has taken a bold step by introducing vernacular languages in its cricket commentary, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. In the 2023 season, Bhojpuri commentary has emerged as a fan favorite, transcending language barriers and winning hearts across the country.
JioCinema, the platform behind this innovative move, has included 12 Indian regional languages in its IPL cricket commentary lineup, including Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Bengali, and now Haryanvi. The success of Bhojpuri commentary in the previous season paved the way for the introduction of Haryanvi commentary in the ongoing IPL 17th season.
Fans and players alike have lauded the initiative, with even legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni praising the Bhojpuri commentary during a match in 2024. The entertainment quotient of the vernacular commentary has been a major draw, with social media buzzing about the unique and engaging experience of watching IPL matches in local languages.
However, the move has not been without its share of criticism. Some commentators in both Bhojpuri and Haryanvi languages have come under fire for making obscene, vulgar, and degrading remarks during the matches. Former cricketer Virender Sehwag was called out for body shaming in Haryanvi commentary, while Bhojpuri commentators faced backlash for using offensive language.
Despite the mixed reactions, JioCinema’s decision to go vernacular has opened up new avenues for engaging a wider audience in a linguistically diverse country like India. The blend of cricket and regional languages has added a unique flavor to the IPL experience, making it more relatable and enjoyable for fans across the country.