'You're a little Barbie': Sports presenter draws flak over interview with Australian cricketer

A sports presenter has sparked outrage after he referred to Australian women's team cricketer Maitlan Brown as a “little Barbie” during an on-field interview.

Chris Hughes, who appeared on the reality TV show Love Island, was covering The Hundred cricket tournament on August 1.

In the interview, Brown, who was representing Southern Brave against their match with Trent Rockets in the 100-ball cricket tournament, talked about how her team was bonding and mentioned that the players went to see Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. The match took place at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, UK.

“We watched Barbie the other night altogether and it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together,” Brown said.

She added, “That is the key to success I think in tournaments like this, how well and how quickly you can gel as a group”.

To this, Hughes, 30, responded, “You're a little Barbie yourself innit, with your blue eyes”.

As Brown laughed at Hughes’ comment, the presenter added, “She's blushing now."

Hughes was covering the tournament for the BBC. According to a Daily Mail report, the BBC has said that they have discussed the matter with Hughes. “We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate,” a BBC spokesperson was quoted as saying.

His remarks did not go down well with some social media users as well.

“That’s shocking,” a person reacted.

Another person said, “Not sure interviewing Maitlan Brown needed to include "you're a bit of a Barbie too with your blue eyes" did it.”

• India thrash West Indies by 200 runs to clinch ODI series