Cricket Australia releases an official statement apologizing to team India over racial abuse by spectators

Sometimes the crowds at cricketing venues can get nasty. They might throw abuses at players, vilify them and make life uncomfortable for them with their slanderous comments. While some banter even from the crowd is fine, and adds excitement to the game, the matter takes an ugly turn if it crosses the line.

And, that is exactly what happened in the New Year’s Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground(SCG). During day three of the third Test between the two sides, Mohammad Siraj had reported been called a monkey by some drunk Australian fans in the crowd. As if that was not enough, the matter continued on Day Four, when the supporters once again threw slangs at both Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

Now Cricket Australia has released a strong statement and the Head of Integrity and security for Cricket Australia. Sean Carroll has condemned the actions of the supporters and has out rightly declared that those people who engage in racial slurs and abuse are surely not welcome in Australian cricket.

“Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour. If you engage in racial abuse, you are not welcome in Australian Cricket,” said Caroll in a strong media release.

Cricket Australia also declared that they are waiting for the outcome of the International Cricket Council(ICC) regarding the matter and the ‘strongest measures’ will be taken against the people who were responsible. Caroll also added that even lengthy bans and further sanctions would be slapped.

“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,” said Caroll.

Cricket Australia apologizes to Indian side

“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,” added Caroll.

NSW’s Venues Chief Executive, Kerrie Mather added that at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a ‘safe and inclusive’ environment is important. He concluded by saying that the matter will be taken up seriously and the people responsible will be banned from the SCG and all other NSW Properties as well.

“At the SCG, we pride ourselves on welcoming anyone and everyone in a safe and inclusive environment. We are taking this extremely seriously. If those involved are identified, they will be banned from the SCG and all Venues NSW Properties under our Act,” concluded Mather.