Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar came forward in support of Team India’s frontline pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj after the duo was allegedly subjected to racial abuse by a section of the unruly crowd in the ongoing third Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He also condemned the alleged incidents of racism by members of the crowd against Indian players.
‘Cricket never discriminates’: Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar took to his official Twitter account and wrote – “SPORT is meant to UNITE us, not DIVIDE us. Cricket never discriminates. The bat & ball recognizes the talent of the person holding them – not race, colour, religion or nationality. Those who don’t understand this have NO PLACE in a sporting arena,” he tweeted.
SPORT is meant to UNITE us, not DIVIDE us.
Cricket never discriminates. The bat & ball recognizes talent of the person holding them – not race, colour, religion or nationality. Those who don’t understand this have NO PLACE in a sporting arena.@ICC @BCCI @CricketAus #racism
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 10, 2021
On Saturday and Sunday, Siraj and senior bowler Jasprit Bumrah were allegedly subjected to multiple cases of abuse including racist slurs like “Brown Dog” and “Big Monkey”, which led to eviction and subsequent arrest of six Australian spectators.
Visuals on television indicated that there were some words spoken for Siraj who was fielding near the boundary rope. Both the umpires then had a word with each other and the police then asked a group of men to leave the stand.
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Meanwhile, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia have agreed that action needs to be taken against the offenders to send out a “strong message” that racism does not have a place in cricket, BCCI Treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal said on Sunday.
Earlier, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had informed, via Twitter, that Cricket Australia has ensured him of strict action against the offenders. “Racism has no place in our great sport or in any walk of society. I’ve spoken to ‘Cricket Australia’ and they have ensured strict action against the offenders. BCCI and Cricket Australia stand together. These acts of discrimination will not be tolerated, tweeted Shah.
Racism has no place in our great sport or in any walk of society. I’ve spoken to @CricketAus and they have ensured strict action against the offenders. @BCCI and Cricket Australia stand together. These acts of discrimination will not be tolerated. @SGanguly99 @ThakurArunS
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 10, 2021
Cricket Australia has also apologized to Team India.
Whereas, Cricket Australia (CA) has apologized to Team India and assured strict action against the offenders.
“CA is awaiting the outcome of the International Cricket Council’s investigation into the matter reported at the SCG on Saturday. Once those responsible are identified, CA will take the strongest measures possible under our Anti-Harassment Code, including lengthy bans, further sanctions and referral to NSW Police. As series hosts, we unreservedly apologise to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent,” said Carroll, Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity and Security in an official statement.
India captain Virat Kohli came up with a sharp reaction to the racist row.
Earlier, Indian skipper Virat Kohli had taken to Twitter to strongly condemn the act saying it was sad to see what happened with his teammates at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The incident needs to be looked at with absolute urgency and seriousness and strict action against the offenders should set things straight for once.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 10, 2021