Manish Bhasin

Manish Bhasin became the main presenter of BBC’s iconic ‘Football Focus’ in late 2004, establishing himself as a prominent figure in sports broadcasting. Prior to this, Bhasin dedicated five years to BBC Radio Leicester, beginning in 1997, where he served as a sports presenter and commentator. During this period, he notably covered the Leicester Tigers’ Rugby European Cup final victories in both 2001 and 2002. He also hosted the popular drive-time program ‘Drive at 5,’ delivering essential news and sports updates.

In 2001, Bhasin transitioned to ITV’s Central News East, continuing his role as a sports presenter and providing in-depth coverage, including a comprehensive analysis of the financial challenges faced by Leicester City Football Club. His impactful contributions at ITV led to a nomination for ‘Regional Sports Presenter or Commentator of the Year’ at the Royal Television Society Sport Awards, alongside his presenting duties for ‘Soccer Sunday.’ Expanding his impressive portfolio, Bhasin took on significant hosting responsibilities for various cricket broadcasts on the BBC. He presented highlights for major tournaments including the 2006–07 Ashes Series, the 2007 Cricket World Cup, the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Demonstrating his versatility across sports, he also presented the Africa Cup of Nations 2006 on BBC Three and served as a roving reporter for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Manish Bhasin maintains his prominent presence in sports broadcasting, occasionally hosting ‘Match of the Day 2’ on BBC One. He continues to be widely recognized for his authoritative and engaging work across major football and cricket broadcasts for both the BBC and Premier League Productions, cementing his status as a leading voice in sports journalism.