Shaun Murphy has revealed that he will not be working as a pundit or commentator for this year’s Snooker World Championship after failing to agree new contract terms with the BBC.
The 43-year-old former World Champion has worked with the BBC since 2021 as a broadcaster offering his views as both a snooker pundit and commentator across multiple Triple Crown events including the World Championship in Sheffield.
One of the reasons for his departure is that he wants to be able to focus more on his own snooker after an impressive season has seen him claim his first ever British Open title and reach the semi-finals of the UK Championship.
Murphy also revealed that he could not come to new terms with the BBC and stepped away from negotiations at the previously agreed rate.
“No, [it was] nothing to do with trying to prepare properly for the tournament,” Murphy explained ahead of his first round match at the Crucible.
“We were in negotiations with the powers-that-be and we couldn’t come to an agreement on terms. So I decided it wasn’t for me at the previously agreed rate, it was nothing more than that.
“It’s a big commitment. It’s not without its troubles, especially if you’re trying to compete in the tournament.
“I’ve always felt like I managed that quite well. I went to the UK [Championship] this year and the Masters, not on the broadcasting team. It was my choice and it’s my choice again this year.”
Some of the troubles Murphy spoke of are questions over his preparation and focus and whether working as a broadcaster as well as a player at the tournament split his focus and reduced the level of snooker he needs to produce in order to win the World Championship.
On top of that, commentating on his rivals while still playing drew criticism that there might be a conflict of interest.
“I never thought it was a conflict in the first place, to be honest,” Murphy added. “I used to get trolled every day for it. ‘You shouldn’t be commentating if you’re in the actual tournament.’
“I hope the other players that followed in my footsteps have received the same abuse. There’s plenty more doing it now. I feel like I was the gatekeeper for that. A few others have followed in my footsteps.
“I loved my moments in the box, in the studio, watching a legend like Hazel Irving up close, learning off her, watching how she does things.
“Great afternoons and evenings spent with JV, listening to him and watching how he went about his work. Jesus, we had some laughs in that comms box off air. I remembered to turn the mic off, unlike a few of his colleagues before who got themselves into trouble. We had some great laughs.”
Murphy begins his World Championship campaign on Monday evening against 25-year-old Fan Zhengyi who will be making his third appearance at the Crucible but is yet to win a match.
