New Zealand Cricket threatens to cut ties with radio station after racism controversy

The cricket world again witnessed an issue of racial discrimination after Magic Talk host John Banks was involved in a conversation with an unidentified caller. New Zealand cricket in the same light has shown its outright disgust over the matter and has threatened to suspend its broadcast ties with Magic Talk.

NZ cricket is among the strong organizations that are thinking to cut ties with the station after they allowed an unknown caller to speak a racist diatribe on their show yesterday. Banks allowed the call to proceed as the caller described ‘Maori’ as ‘stone-age people’ who are ‘genetically predisposed to crime, alcohol, and under-performance educationally.’

The host Banks did stop the caller midway but went on to add the racist rhetoric- “Just a minute, your children need to get used to their stone-age culture because if their stone-age culture doesn’t change, these people will come through your bathroom window,” said Banks as quoted by tvnz.co.nz.

New Zealand cricket has shown their huge disgust over the matter and stated that they demand a clear explanation from the caller as well as host for the odd conversation that took place. It was not at all in line with their values, and if strong action is not taken, New Zealand cricket will review its relationship with Magic Talks.

New Zealand Cricket tweets about the matter

“NZC is disgusted and appalled by an indefensibly racist exchange between a talkback caller and host John Banks on Magic Talk Radio. NZC has contacted the station to both ask for an explanation and express its dismay over comments completely at odds with our values and culture. Should strong action not be taken, NZC reserves its right to review its relationship with Magic Talk,” tweeted New Zealand cricket.

It was NZC’s first year with Magic Talks as their broadcasting partner

It was NZC’s first time with Magic Talks as their broadcasting partners for international cricket fixtures. Last year, NZC sold their broadcast rights to Mediaworks after ceasing a 20-year long tie with NZME’s Radio Sport, which had provided them commentary earlier.