Why Shaun Murphy turned down BBC role and isn't commentating at World Championship Shaun Murphy has been part of BBC's World Snooker Championship commentary team since 2021 Comments Sport Ben Crawford Senior Sports Writer and Mark Whiley Sports Reporter 12:12, 26 Apr 2026 View 3 Images Shaun Murphy has opted against commentating at the World Snooker Championship (Image: Sam Bloxham, Getty Images) Shaun Murphy has revealed how he was unable to strike a deal with the BBC to continue as part of their World Snooker Championship coverage. The Magician, a winner of every Triple Crown event and 2005 world champion, had been a familiar face in the BBC's broadcast from Sheffield since 2021. He regularly provided commentary and studio analysis while still competing. However, this year, he is not part of the corporation's team, which includes the likes of Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor and Stephen Hendry. It was previously suggested that Murphy was stepping back to focus on his preparations for the tournament. But the 43-year-old has now clarified the real reason for the split. He said: "No [it was], nothing to do with trying to prepare properly for the tournament. "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. View 3 Images Murphy could not agree terms with the BBC (Image: Getty) "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." On whether playing and working as a pundit were at odds with one another, he said: "I never thought it was a conflict in the first place, to be honest. I used to get trolled every day for it: 'You shouldn't be commentating if you're in the actual tournament.' "A few others have followed in my footsteps. I loved my moments in the box, in the studio, watching a legend like Hazel Irvine up close, learning off her, watching how she does things." View 3 Images Murphy has had some time away from the Crucible ahead of his quarter-final (Image: Getty) After turning down commentary work, Murphy savoured some home comforts after beating Xiao Guodong with a session to spare to reach the last eight. The Magician guaranteed himself a night off on Friday with a 13-3 second-round demolition of Xiao, and then revealed he was heading home before his quarter-final gets underway on Tuesday. Article continues below Speaking to the BBC after the match, he said: "Mathematically it's possible to win with a session to spare but you don't think it's going to happen. I kept getting those little chances and I’m really pleased how I played. It doesn't happen often because everybody’s so good. "We're going to ship out of Sheffield for a few days. I've got my practice table at home and I can do as much as I want instead of trying to dodge in for half an hour at the Crucible. [I will] spend the next few days getting ready for what's going to be a big game. Murphy will play reigning world champion Zhao Xintong or Ding Junhui in the quarter-finals.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.walesonline.co.uk