Racism in cricket

[Gilly]

Depends how racist you are against Australians I suppose, if you are racist against Australians and like racially abusing them by calling them convicts then you too are part of the problem.

But hey let the innocent caste the first stone.

An Australian photographer captured several images of monkey taunting from the crowd, providing for the first time evidence of Symonds's earlier claims. A racist thread has weaved its way through the latter stages of this series, and any further attempts by the BCCI to bury heads in the sand will presumably be met with scorn by the International Cricket Council.

Several Indian media outlets have gone to great lengths this week to explain that monkey chants in Indian cricket, unlike in European football, are not intended to be racially derogative. However, the fact that sections of the Mumbai crowd engaged in monkey taunts on Wednesday - after the Australians outlined their belief that the chants in Vadodara were racially motivated - suggests such reports are erroneous.

 

[Shoaib88]

Depends how racist you are against Australians I suppose, if you are racist against Australians and like racially abusing them by calling them convicts then you too are part of the problem.

But hey let the innocent caste the first stone.

This is interesting, can you provide some links to these. However, your first sentence seems to be defending racism, are you Australian?

 

[Shoaib88]

Depends how racist you are against Australians I suppose, if you are racist against Australians and like racially abusing them by calling them convicts then you too are part of the problem.

But hey let the innocent caste the first stone.

Having thought about this comment, this is perfect example of why racism is tolerated in Australian culture. Its a shame that this Aussies never tried to condemn racism but tried to justify it. Majority of Aussies have similar mentality in my opinion. No wonder even Aussie so called legends have made disgusting racist comments.

 

[Gilly]

This is interesting, can you provide some links to these. However, your first sentence seems to be defending racism, are you Australian?

How is it defending racism?.

Symonds racially abused yet again

ANDREW Symonds has been subjected to yet another round of monkey chants, this time by sections of the Wankhede Stadium crowd during Wednesday night's seventh and final one-day international.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/symonds-racially-abused-yet-again-20071018-gdrddq.html

 

[Shoaib88]

How is it defending racism?.

It's defending racism because you never condemmed Aussies hurling racist abuses. Instead, you just said, Hey look here, another instance of racism. So what we have done is completely justified. This is exactly what you meant by "Depends how racist you are against Australians"

 

[Shoaib88]

You know something is wrong with your culture when your so called Legends openly racially abuse the most gentleman cricketer- Hashim Amla

 

[Shoaib88]

You know something is wrong with your culture when your so called Legends openly racially abuse the most gentleman cricketer- Hashim Amla

also the most gentleman cricket team - Sri Lanka

 

[Gilly]

Having thought about this comment, this is perfect example of why racism is tolerated in Australian culture. Its a shame that this Aussies never tried to condemn racism but tried to justify it. Majority of Aussies have similar mentality in my opinion. No wonder even Aussie so called legends have made disgusting racist comments.

And this is why Racism is institutionalized in Indian cricket, BCCI denied that Symonds was racially abused and monkey chants from the crowd was not racist.

Pawar, however, shared the sentiments of other BCCI officials by stating that, in his opinion, Symonds mistook the antics of the crowd for racism. Symonds, along with the Australian team, believe otherwise.

"We respect that we have to protect the individual player," Pawar told the Herald. "There is a complaint and we will take the appropriate action. I believe this is a misunderstanding; a language issue.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/symonds-racially-abused-yet-again-20071018-gdrddq.html

 

[pillionrider]

Depends how racist you are against Australians I suppose, if you are racist against Australians and like racially abusing them by calling them convicts then you too are part of the problem.

But hey let the innocent caste the first stone.

That was pathetic and happened at more than one Indian ground if I recall right. The fact that it was after SCG made it pathetic because those guys in the crowd obviously knew what they were doing.

I've seen those pics - to those with any doubt about the validity of these claims.

 

[Gilly]

It's defending racism because you never condemmed Aussies hurling racist abuses. Instead, you just said, Hey look here, another instance of racism. So what we have done is completely justified. This is exactly what you meant by "Depends how racist you are against Australians"

What I meant by how racist you are against Australia is that India have been just as bad if not worse than the Aussie crowds yet the OP calls it Australian racism.

 

[Shoaib88]

And this is why Racism is institutionalized in Indian cricket, BCCI denied that Symonds was racially abused and monkey chants from the crowd was not racist.

Lol you must be thinking that I am an Indian. Let me make this clear, I will not defend racism like you did. You choose to defend the racial abuse against Indian cricketers and many other cricketers in the past by saying "hey look at this racial abuse against an Aussie. If they can do it, so can we." Racial abuse against anyone (yes including Aussies) is completely unjustified. However, only in Australian culture will the so called legends openly racially abusethe most gentlemen cricketers like Hashim Amla or Sri Lankan team

 

[Gilly]

That was pathetic and happened at more than one Indian ground if I recall right. The fact that it was after SCG made it pathetic because those guys in the crowd obviously knew what they were doing.

I've seen those pics - to those with any doubt about the validity of these claims.

That is correct, BCCI denied that Symonds was being racially abused at Vadodara and it wasnt until an Australian reporter photographed 20 Indian supporters dancing like monkeys when Symonds came out to bat. There was also an Australian cricket TV show called something like Aussie in India where the documented the Indian crowd racially abusing the aussie players.

 

[Gilly]

Lol you must be thinking that I am an Indian. Let me make this clear, I will not defend racism like you did. You choose to defend the racial abuse against Indian cricketers and many other cricketers in the past by saying "hey look at this racial abuse against an Aussie. If they can do it, so can we." Racial abuse against anyone (yes including Aussies) is completely unjustified. However, only in Australian culture will the so called legends openly racially abusethe most gentlemen cricketers like Hashim Amla or Sri Lankan team

I have not defended Racism, you have made that lie up.

 

[Shoaib88]

I have not defended Racism, you have made that lie up.

If you did not defend racism, tell me why you started your post with "Depends how racist you are to Australians" instead of condemning the act of racism? Before you think I am Indian, please read my posts on this forum where 8/10 posts I make are on arrogance of BCCI and Indian cricket fans. Hashim Amla, the best representative of cricket and the most gentleman cricketer. Not only was he regularly racially abused by Aussie crowd, Aussie legends hurled abuses at him live on air!!!!

 

[Gilly]

If you did not defend racism, tell me why you started your post with "Depends how racist you are to Australians"
[/B]

Because the OP said "I personally believe this type of Australia racism" when I provided proof beyond doubt that India had rows in the crowd jumping up and down acting like monkeys when Symonds would play and then he calls it Australian racism. Why would he call it Australian racism when other countries do even worse?.

 

[Shoaib88]

Because the OP said "I personally believe this type of Australia racism" when I provided proof beyond doubt that India had rows in the crowd jumping up and down acting like monkeys when Symonds would play and then he calls it Australian racism. Why would he call it Australian racism when other countries do even worse?.

By OP you mean me right? Also very convenient of you to delete and completely ignore the fact that not only did Aussie crowd regularly abuse the most gentleman and respected cricketer Hashim Amla but so called Aussie legends hurled abuses at him live on air!!! Very typical of an Australian. Now on BCCI, no one dislikes that board more than I do. The way they have behaved with PCB is not only disgusting but also illegal. You are most welcome to join my other threads where I regularly speak about the arrogance of BCCI and their cricket fans. My latest thread being "India is being humbled at Sydney".

 

[Gilly]

By OP you mean me right? Also very convenient of you to delete and completely ignore the fact that not only did Aussie crowd regularly abuse the most gentleman and respected cricketer Hashim Amla but so called Aussie legends hurled abuses at him live on air!!! Very typical of an Australian. Now on BCCI, no one dislikes that board more than I do. The way they have behaved with PCB is not only disgusting but also illegal. You are most welcome to join my other threads where I regularly speak about the arrogance of BCCI and their cricket fans. My latest thread being "India is being humbled at Sydney".

Again with the racial attacks.

 

[Shoaib88]

Again with the racial attacks.

That is not racial abuse but a point I am trying to make. Your reply to someone pointing out the racism in Australian culture is defending it. Like I have said, it is an Australian culture problem. When majority of Australians like you blatantly refuse to condemn racism and try to justify it, it becomes a stain on world cricket!!! No other cricket board will have their so called legends racially abusing the most gentleman cricketer like Hashim Amla live on air!!!! This is disgusting beyond belief.

 

[pillionrider]

That is correct, BCCI denied that Symonds was being racially abused at Vadodara and it wasnt until an Australian reporter photographed 20 Indian supporters dancing like monkeys when Symonds came out to bat. There was also an Australian cricket TV show called something like Aussie in India where the documented the Indian crowd racially abusing the aussie players.

Not sure about the 20. I recall it being 4-5. But that's beside the point.

They were basically mimicking an action that's quite commonly used in India. You flare out your elbows and scratch the sides of your belly. Usually we do it to a guy who's being a nuisance or who's got too much energy to the point of being an annoyance. Like a monkey.

Monkeys are common in India and are often found hanging on trees outside our homes, even in cities. It's fairly common for people to feed them bananas and other fruits from their balconies. We also have a monkey god Hanuman who is one of the most popular gods across the country cutting through cultural divides.

So you can see there is a dichotomy in the way we look at a monkey.

The BCCI chose to conveniently use the latter. Truth is, the guys who made that action directed at Symonds did so because they thought it would hurt him. It was deliberate with malice behind it and they were busy laughing thinking how hilarious they were.

 

[Gilly]

That is not racial abuse but a point I am trying to make. Your reply to someone pointing out the racism in Australian culture is defending it. Like I have said, it is an Australian culture problem. When majority of Australians like you blatantly refuse to condemn racism and try to justify it, it becomes a stain on world cricket!!! No other cricket board will have their so called legends racially abusing the most gentleman cricketer like Hashim Amla live on air!!!! This is disgusting beyond belief.

The whole board of the BCCI defended outright racism against Symonds, they claimed that rows of supporters jumping up and down like monkeys was not racism. BCCI defended Harbijan when he racially abused Symonds and several players including Tendulkar lied under oath to defend racism.

Aravinda racially abused all Australians calling them convicts and his board defended him.

 

[Shoaib88]

Not sure about the 20. I recall it being 4-5. But that's beside the point.

They were basically mimicking an action that's quite commonly used in India. You flare out your elbows and scratch the sides of your belly. Usually we do it to a guy who's being a nuisance or who's got too much energy to the point of being an annoyance. Like a monkey.

Monkeys are common in India and are often found hanging on trees outside our homes, even in cities. It's fairly common for people to feed them bananas and other fruits from their balconies. We also have a monkey god Hanuman who is one of the most popular gods across the country cutting through cultural divides.

So you can see there is a dichotomy in the way we look at a monkey.

The BCCI chose to conveniently use the latter. Truth is, the guys who made that action directed at Symonds did so because they thought it would hurt him. It was deliberate with malice behind it and they were busy laughing thinking how hilarious they were.

This Aussie is arguing me by basically saying "Look what happend in India" not realising he's just providing me with material for the next time I have argument with some arrogant Indian fan on this forum

 

[Shoaib88]

The whole board of the BCCI defended outright racism against Symonds, they claimed that rows of supporters jumping up and down like monkeys was not racism. BCCI defended Harbijan when he racially abused Symonds and several players including Tendulkar lied under oath to defend racism.

Aravinda racially abused all Australians calling them convicts and his board defended him.

Ok let me make this simpler for you, if I had the power, I would personally give capital punishment to all the members of BCCI because of the disgusting illegal injustice they have served my country (if you somehow still think I am defender of BCCI). Now let's go back to the fact you are trying so hard to ignore. Not only Australian crowd but also their so called legends racially abusing the most gentleman cricketer like Hashim Amla live on air!!!! This is disgusting beyond belief.

 

[Gilly]

Not sure about the 20. I recall it being 4-5. But that's beside the point.

.

No it was 20

The daily quoted an Australian cameraman as saying that a spectator in the Section 4 of the Nagpur stadium started it all by jumping up and imitating a monkey and was soon joined by about 20 others. Eventually, a TV presenter screamed at the crowd to silence them, it said.http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/symonds-subjected-to-racial-abuse-again/228571/

 

[Gilly]

Ok let me make this simpler for you, if I had the power, I would personally give capital punishment to all the members of BCCI because of the disgusting illegal injustice they have served my country (if you somehow still think I am defender of BCCI). Now let's go back to the fact you are trying so hard to ignore. Not only Australian crowd but also their so called legends racially abusing the most gentleman cricketer like Hashim Amla live on air!!!! This is disgusting beyond belief.

You are not reading my posts properly, I dont care how much you hate the BCCI, that is your issue, I am just providing you evidence that this is not an Australian problem but a problem for all cricket nations and you are being racist by claiming it is Australian. That would be like me saying that corruption in cricket typically Pakistani.

 

[Shoaib88]

No it was 20

I think you are probably the only guy on this forum who actually cut my comment while quoting it to suit your own agenda lol. I will now lookout more with regards to this.

 

[Shoaib88]

You are not reading my posts properly, I dont care how much you hate the BCCI, that is your issue, I am just providing you evidence that this is not an Australian problem but a problem for all cricket nations and you are being racist by claiming it is Australian. That would be like me saying that corruption in cricket typically Pakistani.

Ok if it's not just an Australian problem, tell me, Which other cricketing country has it's so called legends racially abusing gentlemen cricketers like Hashim Amla live on air!!!!

 

[Gilly]

Ok if it's not just an Australian problem, tell me, Which other cricketing country has it's so called legends racially abusing gentlemen cricketers like Hashim Amla live on air!!!!

OK out of the 25 million Australians name three so called legends that have racially abused Hashim Amla live on air.

I can only think of one, do we class a whole country as racist because of one man?.

 

[Shoaib88]

OK out of the 25 million Australians name three so called legends that have racially abused Hashim Amla live on air.

I can only think of one, do we class a whole country as racist because of one man?.

Do you think having a "legend" racially abuse another cricketer while live on air is no big deal? There is a reason why I am highlighting live on air. It is because he wanted the whole world to hear this racial abuse. Nothing more disgusting has ever happened in cricket.

 

[Gilly]

I think you are probably the only guy on this forum who actually cut my comment while quoting it to suit your own agenda lol. I will now lookout more with regards to this.

I wasn't quoting you. Unless Pillionrider is you as well.

 

[Shoaib88]

Because the OP said "I personally believe this type of Australia racism" when I provided proof beyond doubt that India had rows in the crowd jumping up and down acting like monkeys when Symonds would play and then he calls it Australian racism. Why would he call it Australian racism when other countries do even worse?.

You quoted me here and conveniently took out the later part of my comment. Very cunning of you! Also just shows more of your mentality about defending racism

 

[Gilly]

Do you think having a "legend" racially abuse another cricketer while live on air is no big deal? There is a reason why I am highlighting live on air. It is because he wanted the whole world to hear this racial abuse. Nothing more disgusting has ever happened in cricket.

You are talking about Dean Jones not Australia, every Australian cant be held responsible for what Dean Jones did. I can think of many more disgusting things that have happened like PCB president falsely claiming that the English player match fixed so he could protect his players when they were spot fixing.
Would it be right to claim that match fixing is a Pakistani thing because of a couple of players.

 

[Shoaib88]

You are talking about Dean Jones not Australia, every Australian cant be held responsible for what Dean Jones did. I can think of many more disgusting things that have happened like PCB president falsely claiming that the English player match fixed so he could protect his players when they were spot fixing.
Would it be right to claim that match fixing is a Pakistani thing because of a couple of players.

Lol you have just proven my point of Aussie culture problem. You just said here that you think accusing someone of matchfixing is worse than racially abusing a gentleman cricket live on air to make sure the whole world hears the racist abuse about him. This is exactly the type of mentality I have been talking about all along. Thanks for this convo!

 

[Gilly]

Lol you have just proven my point of Aussie culture problem. You just said here that you think accusing someone of matchfixing is worse than racially abusing a gentleman cricket live on air to make sure the whole world hears the racist abuse about him. This is exactly the type of mentality I have been talking about all along. Thanks for this convo!

You are dishonest, I don't mind having a discussion with you but when you deliberately lie it becomes a pointless exercise.

Dean Jones, part of the commentary team, was heard saying "the terrorist gets another wicket". Although the comment was made during a commercial break, it accidentally went on air
https://www.sportsadda.com/cricket/...cket-incidents-abusing-slurs-india-monkeygate

 

[Shoaib88]

You are dishonest, I don't mind having a discussion with you but when you deliberately lie it becomes a pointless exercise.

Nothing goes accidentally on air. Dean Jones knew very well what was happening and he is as cunning as you who deliberately cut my comment to suit your own agenda while quoting me. He knew that if things go south, he can say "Oh sorry, it accidentally went on air". Also just look how disgraceful Aussie media reported the news when Hashim Amla gracefully accepted the apology. The title is literally - Terrorist cricketer accepts Deans apology See below:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-08-09/terrorist-cricketer-accepts-jones-apology/1234266

 

[Shoaib88]

Also found the news related to AUSSIE SPECTATORS PUTTING TERRORIST GRAFFITI FOR HASHIM AMLA

https://www.news24.com/sport/cricket/proteas/amla-target-of-terrorist-graffiti-20161113

 

[Shoaib88]

Also can someone tell me why Australians hated Hashim Amla so much? For arrogant and abusive cricketers like Kohli and Symonds, hatred for them is understandable. But what did Hashim Amla ever do to rile up the Aussies so much? Was it just because he was a devoted muslim?

 

[Gilly]

Also can someone tell me why Australians hated Hashim Amla so much? For arrogant and abusive cricketers like Kohli and Symonds, hatred for them is understandable. But what did Hashim Amla ever do to rile up the Aussies so much? Was it just because he was a devoted muslim?

This happens to many cricketers who are respected in the game, Pakistani's hate Gilcrhist, remember when Latif racially abused him so that must mean that Pakistani's hate Gilchrist.

 

[Shoaib88]

This happens to many cricketers who are respected in the game, Pakistani's hate Gilcrhist, remember when Latif racially abused him so that must mean that Pakistani's hate Gilchrist.

lol took you some time to reply and I can see why. Thanks for bringing this up. This incident revealed the ugly side of Gilchrist who tried so hard to be a "good guy". This was such a pathetic and disgusting attempt by disgraceful Gilly to villify Rashid Latif. Also Gilchrist the guy you consider to be a gentleman was caught on Mike stump saying "F off" to opposition. These type of cricketers can't be compared to the class of Amla.
See the news below about the incident you are referring to:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/feb/13/cricketworldcup2003.cricketworldcup5

 

[Gilly]

lol took you some time to reply and I can see why. Thanks for bringing this up. This incident revealed the ugly side of Gilchrist who tried so hard to be a "good guy". This was such a pathetic and disgusting attempt by disgraceful Gilly to villify Rashid Latif. Also Gilchrist the guy you consider to be a gentleman was caught on Mike stump saying "F off" to opposition. These type of cricketers can't be compared to the class of Amla.
See the news below about the incident you are referring to:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/feb/13/cricketworldcup2003.cricketworldcup5

So thats why you hate Gilchrist, sad to see you defending racism again. We will never stamp out racism while there are people like you that think being racist only applies to other people.

 

[Shoaib88]

So thats why you hate Gilchrist, sad to see you defending racism again. We will never stamp out racism while there are people like you that think being racist only applies to other people.

Lol, trying to be so cunning now aren't you? Just read the article about how disgraceful Gilchrist tried to villify our legend Rashid Latif and it all fell flat. Whole world show know about this disgusting part of Australian culture (defending racism) and you people like you help in this cause.

 

[Shoaib88]

Thanks for this Aussie defending racism for bringing this up.

Anyone who considers Gilchrist as a genuine cricketer should read this article below showing the true ugly side of this disgraceful cricketer

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/20...icketworldcup5

 

[wrongun]

Depends how racist you are against Australians I suppose, if you are racist against Australians and like racially abusing them by calling them convicts then you too are part of the problem.

But hey let the innocent caste the first stone.

This is a really important part of the difference between how some sections of an Oz crowd regard racial/national comments & how they translate in other contexts.

I have known/seen Aussie fans swear true that they would never be a racist but feel free to call a subcontinental cricketer a "Curry munching c*%$"- exactly the same way they would call an Englishman a "f*&#ing Pom" and an Englishman might return serve about criminality etc hohoho.

But they steadfastly refuse to see the difference between them taking "convict hohoho" in good humour & the post colonial context of racial/cultural comments from one previously very privileged group to another group horribly prejudiced against within living memory. (that's history & not their fault to feel guilty about apparently)- so why can't I call him a f-ing curry?

Grievance mentality is alive & well.

For what it's worth, we have no guarantee we know what they said was racist. Word from Australia is they were calling Siraj, Shiraz (a type of wine) & something too Bumrah too (don't know this one).

For the record it's hard to be drunk in Oz stadiums now, they don't sell full strength beer in Oz stadiums.

 

[wrongun]

Lol, trying to be so cunning now aren't you? Just read the article about how disgraceful Gilchrist tried to villify our legend Rashid Latif and it all fell flat. Whole world show know about this disgusting part of Australian culture (defending racism) and you people like you help in this cause.

It's a part of every culture. I've been to dozens of different nations over the last 20 years, subcontinent, Asia, Americas, Europe, Middle East & born in Oz. I can tell you there isn't a place that isn't treating someone poorly due to prejudice and I wholeheartedly agree it should be corrected everywhere.

Australia is/has been making a genuine effort to stamp this out. You saw police move in straight away. Laws have been put in place. People are genuinely banned from grounds for life (airport style facial recognition picks them up at any major stadium in Oz). If you have been to a cricket match in Australia in the last decade you have heard/seen on the big screen suggestions for the crowd to anonymously text in the seat number/location of any other crowd member being racist or anti-social. Not once a day, this is repeated all day to make it hopefully so any idiots think twice.

They have genuine response & genuine safeguards put in place by CA. Not all nations can say they at least take it that seriously.

 

[Belawal2014]

So thats why you hate Gilchrist, sad to see you defending racism again. We will never stamp out racism while there are people like you that think being racist only applies to other people.

What did you make of Darren Lehmann's charges on racial slurs in the article he posted?

 

[Gilly]

What did you make of Darren Lehmann's charges on racial slurs in the article he posted?

What Lehman did was stupid. What he said was in the Australian change rooms and not in front of Murali. I'm not defending Lehman and he was punished for his outburst rightly so. But if we had microphones in all change rooms Lehman would not be the only Australian or any other country player that spoke or speaks like that. We need to change this type of behavior with education and awareness but its not just an Australian problem like some posters like to believe.

 

[Belawal2014]

What Lehman did was stupid. What he said was in the Australian change rooms and not in front of Murali. I'm not defending Lehman and he was punished for his outburst rightly so. But if we had microphones in all change rooms Lehman would not be the only Australian or any other country player that spoke or speaks like that. We need to change this type of behavior with education and awareness but its not just an Australian problem like some posters like to believe.

I agree that it's not only an Australian problem, but it seems that Australia more often than not seems to be the epicenter of such issues.

 

[Belawal2014]

They are treated far better than Shia's.

Might have touched a nerve there for you because it seems you've decided to deflect, rather than argue the veracity of my claims. Anyways, if it makes you feel better, then yes, Australia marginally treats its Aboriginal community better than a 3rd world country treats its religious minority.

P.S. Shia'ism is a sect, not a race, Einstein.

 

[Gilly]

Might have touched a nerve there for you because it seems you've decided to deflect, rather than argue the veracity of my claims. Anyways, if it makes you feel better, then yes, Australia marginally treats its Aboriginal community better than a 3rd world country treats its religious minority.

P.S. Shia'ism is a sect, not a race, Einstein.

That should make the Shia's feel better at the next funeral then.

 

[Belawal2014]

That should make the Shia's feel better at the next funeral then.

I don't know if it will, but it'll certainly help you sleep better at night as you continue to revel in your ignorance.

 

[Shoaib88]

So thats why you hate Gilchrist, sad to see you defending racism again. We will never stamp out racism while there are people like you that think being racist only applies to other people.

Why did you stop talking about the Gilchrist -Lattif incident? Because you are your idol, a disgraceful pathetic cricket got exposed? Adam Gilchrist falsely accused Rashid Latif of racism who was later proved innocent. Read this article: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/20...icketworldcup5

 

[Shoaib88]

Lol now this Aussie has come up with another excuse of defending racism: talking about treatment of Shias in Pakistan. Shias in Pakistan or any other minority were never treated as bad as Aboriginals were (first most of them were killed off, the remaining had their children separated from their parents so that they forget their culture and language)

 

[Shoaib88]

It's a part of every culture. I've been to dozens of different nations over the last 20 years, subcontinent, Asia, Americas, Europe, Middle East & born in Oz. I can tell you there isn't a place that isn't treating someone poorly due to prejudice and I wholeheartedly agree it should be corrected everywhere.

Australia is/has been making a genuine effort to stamp this out. You saw police move in straight away. Laws have been put in place. People are genuinely banned from grounds for life (airport style facial recognition picks them up at any major stadium in Oz). If you have been to a cricket match in Australia in the last decade you have heard/seen on the big screen suggestions for the crowd to anonymously text in the seat number/location of any other crowd member being racist or anti-social. Not once a day, this is repeated all day to make it hopefully so any idiots think twice.

They have genuine response & genuine safeguards put in place by CA. Not all nations can say they at least take it that seriously.

And yet you have Aussies like [MENTION=732]Gilly[/MENTION] who has been trying relentlessly hard to defend racism and still hasn't condemned racism in his whole rant so far

 

[Gilly]

Why did you stop talking about the Gilchrist -Lattif incident? Because you are your idol, a disgraceful pathetic cricket got exposed? Adam Gilchrist falsely accused Rashid Latif of racism who was later proved innocent. Read this article: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/20...icketworldcup5

Because you are defending racism again, Latif called Gilchrist a white cun*. I know he denied saying it but Gilchrist is not the sort of person to make that up. you have taken the side of a racist and defend him which to me makes you just as racist.

 

[Gilly]

And yet you have Aussies like [MENTION=732]Gilly[/MENTION] who has been trying relentlessly hard to defend racism and still hasn't condemned racism in his whole rant so far

You have yet to tell what was said that was racist?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

It was ok and cool when this happened though.

 

[Gilly]

Obviously we have all heard of the allegations from Indian team of racial abuse from Aussie crowd in the last few days?

At first I doubted it (shamefully) but today I actually watched it myself. Now, I want to share past experience of Australian racism which was close to my heart.

As some of you might know, my favourite cricketer is Hashim Amla. I idolised him not only for his cricketing abilities but also how he conducted himself on and off the field. Quinton de Kock once said that one they the Saffa team goes through a loss and their is a tense environment in the dressing room, they always look at Hashim Amla calmly doing prayers and it feeds the calmness into the team.

Once in Australia (can't remember exactly which match as this was not covered by Australian media) the crowd put up a banner calling Hashim Amla a terrorist. However, more shockingly, a few times Australian commentators (including the legend Dean Jones) have called Hashim Amla a terrorist on air!!!!

This is not the only time obviously that so called Australian legends have been involved in racial abuse of their opposition players. Former Aussie coach Darren Lehmann called Sri Lankan cricketers as black c****.

I personally believe this type of Australia racism (which I think is considered as banter in their culture) is absolutely disgraceful and a stain on world cricket.

What are your thoughts?

The racism you claim to have watched for yourself today.

It seems you didn't.

 

[LegendAli]

It's a part of every culture. I've been to dozens of different nations over the last 20 years, subcontinent, Asia, Americas, Europe, Middle East & born in Oz. I can tell you there isn't a place that isn't treating someone poorly due to prejudice and I wholeheartedly agree it should be corrected everywhere.

Australia is/has been making a genuine effort to stamp this out. You saw police move in straight away. Laws have been put in place. People are genuinely banned from grounds for life (airport style facial recognition picks them up at any major stadium in Oz). If you have been to a cricket match in Australia in the last decade you have heard/seen on the big screen suggestions for the crowd to anonymously text in the seat number/location of any other crowd member being racist or anti-social. Not once a day, this is repeated all day to make it hopefully so any idiots think twice.

They have genuine response & genuine safeguards put in place by CA. Not all nations can say they at least take it that seriously.

Good Post.

I was not aware of this, if this is indeed the case I must say hats off to CA.

 

[MenInG]

Hawke’s Bay Cricket Association is investigating complaints a schoolboy cricket match was called off after racial vilification and other slurs.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Monday it was aware of a serious complaint made by a team competing in a year 11-13 tournament at Cornwall Park, in Hastings last week.

“The complaint involves racial vilification and homophobic and sexist slurs,” NZC said in a statement to Stuff.

The association will on Monday night hold an emergency meeting to discuss the complaint. NZC would await meeting details before commenting further.

It was abandoned – apparently with a ball to play in the first innings – after an umpire ruled a player racially abused an opposition batsman.

The Western XI contained of players of Sri Lankan, Indian and Pakistan heritage.

But association chief executive Craig Findlay has said the match ended because of a misunderstanding.

“HB Cricket are aware of what happened and are dealing with it accordingly and at this stage aren't in a position to comment,'' he told the Hawke’s Bay Today newspaper.

WDSCA president Lynn Fuller told the Hawke’s Bay Today it could not comment, as it awaited a report on the incident.
.
NZC was involved in a similar incident in 2019, when England fast bowler Jofra Archer was racially abused at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

The man responsible was in 2020 banned from attending international and domestic cricket matches in New Zealand for two years.
Archer was targeted on the final day of the first test between England and New Zealand. Police identified a 28-year-old Auckland man, who admitted responsibility for the abuse. He was issued with a verbal warning.

NZC did not reveal the identity of the spectator.

In 2017 the whole senior Kāpiti Old Boys team walked off against Levin Old Boys after a racial slur against an Indian fielder in the Kāpiti team.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/crick...r-cricket-match-abandoned-due-to-racial-slurs

 

[OMB]

Human rights commission asked to examine racism in English cricket

The Equality and Human Rights Commission will be asked to conduct an investigation into racism in English cricket following a number of disturbing revelations from black and Asian players and umpires about their experiences in the game, the Guardian can reveal.

A letter will be sent this week to the EHRC by Mohammed Patel, the solicitor acting for the former Test umpire John Holder and reserve umpire Ismail Dawood who have issued a claim in the employment tribunal against the England and Wales Cricket Board on grounds of racial discrimination. But the letter will also address wider concerns about institutional racism in English cricket.

It comes just days after a group of MPs, including the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, signed an early day motion in parliament expressing “alarm” at the ECB’s “failure to address the institutional racism that is present at all levels of the game”.

The prominent human rights lawyer and former judge Peter Herbert, who has been advising the MPs, said that while the EHRC was not compelled by law to act, it was important it did so as the ECB remained “frozen in time around 1990 – and had not moved with the times”.

Herbert told the Guardian: “We will be writing to the EHRC and asking them to conduct an investigation on racism in cricket. There needs to be a root and branch reform from the grassroots upwards. It can’t just be a tick-box exercise.”

Herbert said that while the ECB had been given £60m between 2009 and 2017 to promote equality and diversity it had failed to do enough to make the game reflect modern Britain.

He cited the lack of diversity in senior positions, the “minimal” funding to African, Caribbean and Asian cricket associations, and a growing number of concerning comments from former players and officials alleging racism in the game.

The former England opener Michael Carberry said last year “cricket is rife with racism” while Azeem Rafiq, the former England under-19 captain, filed discrimination and harassment proceedings against Yorkshire after alleging “institutional racism” at the club. Yorkshire’s investigation into his claims continues.

The ECB is also facing legal action by Holder, who believes he was dropped after raising concerns about alleged ball-tampering by the England team in 1991, and Dawood who are seeking compensation and a recommendation on the ECB’s future conduct.

“John and Ismail are probably the most unrevolutionary people you can find,” said

Herbert, who pointed out there had not been a non‑white British umpire in Test cricket for 30 years since Holder was dropped. “They are just people who just are deeply unhappy with the unfairness of it and have been left out in the cold.”

Herbert also called on the government, which is expected to hand the ECB tens of millions of pounds of public money to help it come through the pandemic, to better hold cricket to account by making anti-racism and equality and diversity targets within cricket a ministerial priority, and to ensure the ECB reported annually on progress.

When asked for its response to claims of institutional racism and being referred to the ECHR, an ECB spokesperson told the Guardian: “We have established the independent commission for equity in cricket, which is chaired by Cindy Butts, to examine all issues relating to race and equity in cricket. It will play an important role in helping us to listen and understand the reality of the inclusion challenges in the game, so that we can focus our efforts on ensuring that more people can say that ‘cricket is a game for me’.”

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...on-asked-to-examine-racism-in-english-cricket

 

[Last Monetarist]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/124552765/hawkes-bay-cricket-players-ban-reduced-after-homophobic-and-racial-slurs

Two Hawke's Bay cricket players banned for the season over racial and homophobic slurs are back on the cricket pitch.

The match between year 11-13 students was called off on January 21, after the two players made both racial and homophobic slurs towards the Western Districts XI, which had players of Sri Lankan, Indian and Pakistani heritage.

It has never been revealed what was said on the pitch, nor in the hearing, as media weren't allowed to attend. Hawke’s Bay Cricket Association (HBCA) did not name the players, but Stuff understands the pair are the sons of former Central Districts representatives Mike Pawson and Craig Findlay, who is chief executive of HBCA.

The association initially confirmed the suspension of two players from the Napier Technical Old Boys club for the remainder of this season, following a code of conduct hearing into inappropriate behaviour on the field.

Independent commissioner John Greenwood concluded that there had been racist and homophobic abuse and that the breaches warranted serious penalties.

He suspended the two players until the end of the 2020-21 season, effectively a ban of 10 weeks, including the three-week stand down already served. But the decision was appealed. HBCA chairman James Rainger​ said the appeal was heard by National Cricket Commissioner Michael Heron QC on March 8, via a video conference.

Rainger said one player got 14 days while the other got 10 days. They were now free to continue playing as they had both “served their term”.

Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon​ said it was good to see that HBCA took the “event seriously” but it was “very unfortunate it had mitigated the consequences”.

 

[Technics 1210]

Human rights commission asked to examine racism in English cricket

The Equality and Human Rights Commission will be asked to conduct an investigation into racism in English cricket following a number of disturbing revelations from black and Asian players and umpires about their experiences in the game, the Guardian can reveal.

A letter will be sent this week to the EHRC by Mohammed Patel, the solicitor acting for the former Test umpire John Holder and reserve umpire Ismail Dawood who have issued a claim in the employment tribunal against the England and Wales Cricket Board on grounds of racial discrimination. But the letter will also address wider concerns about institutional racism in English cricket.

It comes just days after a group of MPs, including the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, signed an early day motion in parliament expressing “alarm” at the ECB’s “failure to address the institutional racism that is present at all levels of the game”.

The prominent human rights lawyer and former judge Peter Herbert, who has been advising the MPs, said that while the EHRC was not compelled by law to act, it was important it did so as the ECB remained “frozen in time around 1990 – and had not moved with the times”.

Herbert told the Guardian: “We will be writing to the EHRC and asking them to conduct an investigation on racism in cricket. There needs to be a root and branch reform from the grassroots upwards. It can’t just be a tick-box exercise.”

Herbert said that while the ECB had been given £60m between 2009 and 2017 to promote equality and diversity it had failed to do enough to make the game reflect modern Britain.

He cited the lack of diversity in senior positions, the “minimal” funding to African, Caribbean and Asian cricket associations, and a growing number of concerning comments from former players and officials alleging racism in the game.

The former England opener Michael Carberry said last year “cricket is rife with racism” while Azeem Rafiq, the former England under-19 captain, filed discrimination and harassment proceedings against Yorkshire after alleging “institutional racism” at the club. Yorkshire’s investigation into his claims continues.

The ECB is also facing legal action by Holder, who believes he was dropped after raising concerns about alleged ball-tampering by the England team in 1991, and Dawood who are seeking compensation and a recommendation on the ECB’s future conduct.

“John and Ismail are probably the most unrevolutionary people you can find,” said

Herbert, who pointed out there had not been a non‑white British umpire in Test cricket for 30 years since Holder was dropped. “They are just people who just are deeply unhappy with the unfairness of it and have been left out in the cold.”

Herbert also called on the government, which is expected to hand the ECB tens of millions of pounds of public money to help it come through the pandemic, to better hold cricket to account by making anti-racism and equality and diversity targets within cricket a ministerial priority, and to ensure the ECB reported annually on progress.

When asked for its response to claims of institutional racism and being referred to the ECHR, an ECB spokesperson told the Guardian: “We have established the independent commission for equity in cricket, which is chaired by Cindy Butts, to examine all issues relating to race and equity in cricket. It will play an important role in helping us to listen and understand the reality of the inclusion challenges in the game, so that we can focus our efforts on ensuring that more people can say that ‘cricket is a game for me’.”

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...on-asked-to-examine-racism-in-english-cricket

LOL at institutional racism at all levels in English cricket.

First of all the Guardian is as extreme left as you can get. Secondly, you only have to look at the England team to realise institutional racism at all levels of cricket in England is a myth.

Move on.

 

[Saj]

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today reaffirmed its commitment to driving out all forms of discrimination from cricket.

A new Anti-Discrimination Code of Conduct is in place across the professional game and will be rolled out across recreational leagues and clubs that fall under the ECB’s jurisdiction as the season gets underway. This will ensure that any incidence of discrimination can be subject to disciplinary processes and sanctions.

The implementation of the Anti-Discrimination Code of Conduct will build on the work the ECB has undertaken to tackle discrimination and promote greater inclusion and diversity across the game. Over the past six months, these actions include:

The creation of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, which will examine all issues relating to race and equity in cricket.
A partnership with the PCA to deliver an anti-racism education programme to professional cricketers, academy players, coaches and support staff. The programme, which has already been rolled out to 917 people across 65 sessions, raises awareness of cultural differences and unconscious bias specifically in the context of racism in professional cricket, and address issues such as workplace banter and inappropriate non-verbal behaviour.
The creation of bursaries to help increase diversity among coaches across the game by enabling people from under-represented groups to gain qualifications. To date, 10 bursaries have been awarded on the advanced and specialist coaching courses and 1,000 on the Foundation course.
A re-evaluation of the way in which ECB attracts, develops and performance manages its match officials, in order to increase the diversity of our officiating, inspire the next generation of umpires and match referees and ensure a culture of inclusivity and fairness throughout.
Over the coming months, the ECB will build on its existing work with a range of new initiatives to make cricket more inclusive and diverse as well as providing a clear framework to drive out discrimination.

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “We remain absolutely committed in our resolve to stamp out any form of discrimination and to make the game more inclusive and diverse.

“The new Anti-Discrimination Code of Conduct sends a clear message that any discriminatory behaviour will be dealt with through disciplinary processes and sanctions. Over the coming months we will build on the actions already taken to launch a number of new initiatives that will help us in our next step towards making cricket a truly inclusive and diverse sport.”

The ECB recognises that the support of professional players will be essential in making sure this message remains visible and provides a platform to raise awareness and promote other related initiatives over the course of the season.

Following consultation with the PCA, player representatives from the women’s and men’s game and First-Class Counties, it has been agreed that players will be asked to support a moment of unity before the start of play at specific points throughout the season. The first of the planned moments of unity will be on the morning of the start of the LV= Insurance County Championship on 8 April.

It is intended that these moments will provide a point at which the game comes together and shows solidarity in its commitment to eradicate any form of discrimination from cricket. Individual teams and players will be able choose how to take part and express support for this important message.

 

[MenInG]

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) along with all 18 First-Class Counties, the eight Women's Regional teams and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the football community in taking part in a social media boycott from 15:00 BST on Friday 30 April to 23:59 BST on Monday 3 May.

In taking part in this boycott, we want to show solidarity with football and amplify its message that nobody should have to suffer abuse, racism or harassment on social media because they play, or are involved in professional sport.

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “As a sport, we are united in our commitment to fight racism and we will not tolerate the kind of discriminatory abuse that has become so prevalent on social media platforms.

“We’re proud to add our voice to all those across sport who are sending the message that more can, and must, be done to eradicate online hate.

“Social media can play a very positive role in sport, widening its audience and connecting fans with their heroes in a way that was never possible before. However, players and supporters alike must be able to use these platforms safe in the knowledge they do not risk the prospect of facing appalling abuse.”

Rob Lynch, PCA Chief Executive, said: “The PCA is fully supportive of the social media boycott as cricket stands together with football and other sports in a show of solidarity against online abuse.

“Social media companies have to do more. Our members are often victims of horrific online abuse with little or no punishment for the perpetrators and this has to change.

“A unified silence from players and the wider game is a powerful stance to show that our members will not allow social media companies, which have brought so much benefit to the game, to continue to ignore and fail to prioritise the need for appropriate legislation in protecting people against online discriminatory behaviour.

“We continue to support our members while working collaboratively as a game to lobby the social media companies and the government through the Online Safety Bill for swift action in making social media a safer space for our members and wider society.”

 

[MesonK]

I feel many nonwhite players and officials play race card for their own personal benefit in ECB.

 

[MenInG]

Home News “I can’t even see you,” Abhinav Mukund reveals racist remark from Virat Kohli


India and Tamil Nadu left-hand batsman Abhinav Mukund has made a shocking revelation of being at the receiving end of a racist remark from national team captain Virat Kohli.

Mukund recalled an incident from the 2017 tour of Sri Lanka where skipper Kohli shared a picture of the team following a dinner with the Sri Lankan High Commission and made a comment which the cricketer found offensive.


Mukund, who had last year made a public statement regarding racism and also wrote an article on indifferent treatment and insults handed out to him over the years on the basis of his skin tone, talked about the issue again during the ‘Red Inker’ podcast with Jarrod Kimber.

“So there’s one thing I believe in: if you want the society to change, you should change yourself first,” Mukund told Kimber in response to a question on the topic of racism. “You can’t change racism in one day. The ‘Black Lives Matter’ was a (great) movement but there are still instances (of racism) across the globe.”

“The minute wrote my article about racism, there were friends of mine who were scared to call me names. There were friends, really close friends, who used to call me names. As a young cricketer, there is a very very big impact of those comments on your mental health.”

“It just accumulated (over time) and went to a stage where Virat Kohli posted a photo of me and I was standing right there and said, ‘hey, I can’t even see you’,” Mukund added, having last year also spoke of the incident from the 2017 Sri Lanka tour.

“It happened when Virat Kohli shared a picture of the team from the Sri Lankan High Commission dinner (during the 2017 Sri Lankan tour). A lot of people started talking about my skin colour in the comments and I felt strongly about it; so, I wrote that post,” the cricketer had said in an interview with ‘E Times’.

“In this age of social media, people are obsessed with filters and body image. You can’t face-shame or body-shame anyone. You should accept people for who they are.”

“I can’t even see you,” Abhinav Mukund reveals racist remark from Virat Kohli

While it was quite saddening to know the involvement of Kohli of all people in such a remark, Mukund did mention that the Indian captain is one of the prominent names who came out in support of him following the much-appreciated Twitter post.

“So many players stood by me and Virat showed it in his actions as well. He even stopped endorsing fairness creams after that. He was the face of a particular fairness cream brand earlier, but he hasn’t endorsed such products in the last four years,” Mukund had said in his interview.

Growing up in maturity and awareness with age and time, Kohli did address the issue of racism by not only publicly backing Abhinav Mukund but also avoiding endorsement of any fairness cream brand thereafter.

https://www.cricxtasy.com/i-cant-even-see-you-abhinav-mukund-reveals-racist-remark-from-virat-kohli/

 

[PakLFC]

Racism is mostly common amongst Australian cricketers. They seem to be involved in racist incidents more then any other side. When things don't go their way Aussies get very aggressive leading to racist comments. Amongst other teams it is not a major problem.

 

[OMB]

'My mom was kicked out of stadium': Tsotsobe's startling claims of racism in South African cricket

The South African pacer, who once was ODI's No. 1 pacer, revealed he was made to carry bags of senior players to bus while the similar behaviour wasn't meted out to white junior players.

Cricket and racism has had a long history when one takes a look in the past. However, off late the perception has been that racism is slowly going away from the game with players of all caste, creed and colour have shared dressing room in harmony throughout the globe.

Of course, unwarranted incidents of players getting racially abused by fans have often made headlines. For instance, the infamous Mohammed Siraj-fan incident during the Australia-India series. However, discrimination among players in the dressing room is seldom heard off. But incidents like Danish Kaneria, a former Pakistan spinner, claiming that he faced discrimination in the Pak dressing room because of his religion suggested that such news are often suppressed.

And it is even more clear now with former ODI No. 1 bowler's Lonwabo Tsotsobe's claims that he was often meted out with 'resistance, discrimination and victimisation' in the South African dressing room, which has put the Rainbow nation to shame.

In his submission to the office of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) SJN transformation ombudsman, Tsotsobe revealed that his mother was “kicked out of the presidential suite at a stadium” and denied entry into the plush hospitality facility on a day she had travelled to the venue to watch the former Proteas left-arm fast bowler play for the national cricket team, revealed reports by South African media.

“There was also an occasion when my mother was kicked out of the presidential suite at the stadium and the reason given was that the suite was full with white families," wrote Tsotsobe, who played five Tests, 61 ODIs and 23 T20Is for Proteas.

“However, I did not take this blatant racially motivated act lying down. "I remonstrated and told them that I will not grace the field and play unless my mother was afforded the same treatment and status just like the white folks.

“After such an argument she was allowed into the suite.”

He further revealed that while debuting for South Africa in 2009, he was made to carry to bags of the senior player but the same behaviour wasn't meted out to young white players in the team.

“When I was initially selected to represent the Proteas on tour, I had to carry the bags of senior players onto the bus.

“At the time I thought it was part of an initiation extended to any new player in the team.

“To my astonishment, later when I became a senior player, none of the newly selected white players were subjected to the so-called initiation practice.

https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/my-mom-was-kicked-out-of-stadium-tostsobe-s-startling-claims-of-racism-in-south-african-cricket-705815

 

[MenInG]

It is impossible to completely wipe off racism from the world, feels fast bowling great Michael Holding, who would "bruise his knee" to the grave if he was still an active player but doesn't want anyone to take the gesture as "a tick-in-the-box exercise".

Holding was speaking on Sky Sports' 'The Cricket Show' on the first death anniversary of African-American George Floyd, who died at the hands of a white police office in the Minnesota last year. "You will always have racism, always have racists. Getting rid of racism totally is like saying you are going to get rid of crime totally. It is impossible," Holding said during a panel discussion that also had former England captain Nasser Hussain and woman international Ebony Rainford-Brent.

"The less crime you have in your society, the less racism you have in your society, the better off the world is as we go ahead," he added.

Holding feels that the gesture of "taking a knee" should be organic rather a "tick the box" exercise but he doesn't believe in telling people what their choices should be.

"I am not going to tell people they must take a knee - I am not here to tell people what they need to do. I don't want people to take it as a tick-in-the-box exercise.

"You must want to support the cause, you must be willing to understand and see that something is wrong and this is the worldwide accepted way of showing support for the cause," he said.

The West Indian great, who now lives in the United Kingdom, said not everyone can understand the challenges that black people endure through their lives.

"People don't understand what it is like to come under that sort of pressure throughout your entire life. Some people say things and don't even realise what they are saying or the effect it might have on a black person.

"It's something they get accustomed to saying," the 67-year-old, one of the most respected cricketing voices across the globe, said.

Holding didn't hide the raging anger he has felt at times while interacting with people who resort to casual racism which can be equally hurtful.

"As a black person, when you hear certain people say certain things it burns inside. I have had many occasions when people have said something or treated me a particular way when I think to myself 'are they just rude or are they racist?

"Is it because I am black that they are treating me this way or is it because they don't know any better because they are rude?," he said.

Holding agreed that there could be times that the intent of a comment is not racist but for a black person, who has suffered, that's the first thing that comes to mind during interactions.

"I have no idea - but as a black person the first thing that comes to your mind, because of the constant battle with racism, is racism. Sometimes you are wrong, sometimes the person is not racist, but it builds up inside of you and the first thought is racism."

Holding believes that UK hasn't done enough to weed out racism.

"But, right now, I don't think we have made enough ground, especially in the UK. I am going to be blunt now. I don't see enough action in the UK.

"I see a lot of action in the US. Big corporations in the US putting up millions and millions of dollars toward programmes to levelling the playing field," he said.

"Apart from Sky, who are we seeing in the UK doing anything? There is a little bit of lip service every now and again but what really positive signs of action have we seen?" he asked.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/mic...sible-to-completely-get-rid-of-racism-2449463

 

[OMB]

Ashley Giles says England could reassert their support for the Black Lives Matter movement this summer

Giles, managing director of England men's cricket, says England's players "are keen on doing something as a team" and have discussed the matter after deciding to stop taking a knee last summer; England face New Zealand in the first Test of the summer on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports

Ashley Giles has suggested England's cricketers could reassert their support for the Black Lives Matter movement after stopping taking a knee last summer.

In the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in the United States, England kicked off their 2020 season by joining the West Indies in performing the symbolic gesture ahead of all three Test matches between the sides and the subsequent women's series.

They also did so in their one-day matches against Ireland but the practice was dropped for the subsequent visits of Pakistan and Australia.

That drew sharp criticism from Sky Sports pundit Michael Holding, who called for an end to institutionalised racism last July.

Holding said the revised stance was "pretty lame" and built on "flimsy excuses" and this week told the Sky Cricket Show he would be "bruising my knee until I go into my grave" if he was still playing.

Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding criticised England last summer for choosing not to take a knee in the Pakistan and Australia series
Now it seems the matter has been debated within the dressing room and may be publicly addressed when the men's side take on New Zealand at Lord's next week.

"I think there is an intention for them to do something," said Giles, managing director of men's cricket at the ECB.

"This is something I know the team have talked about a lot and I have with certain members of the team and management. Like all of us they feel very strongly about all discrimination, whatever that is, there is a list as long as our arm of the different types.

Michael Holding and Ebony Rainford-Brent discuss how their impassioned feature about racism last summer came about
"Individuals within that group are individuals and we respect each and every one of them for their different thinking about these things. If it was an individual statement of some sort, we'd support that, they are adults. But I do think they are keen on doing something as a team."

Giles also welcomed the imminent return of live crowds after the entire 2020 programme took place behind closed doors. Around 7,500 fans will be present on each day at Lord's, while the second Test at Edgbaston will welcome 18,000 after being selected as a government pilot event.

Speaking as part of the ECB's new sponsorship agreement with IG, he said: "I'm absolutely delighted. To have that many people in will be great for everyone.

Ashley Giles spoke to Sky Sports following the announcement that IG, a global leader in online trading and investments, is now an Official Partner of England Cricket.
Ashley Giles spoke to Sky Sports following the announcement that IG, a global leader in online trading and investments, is now an Official Partner of England Cricket.
"It will have been almost two years since we played in front of crowds at home. The players will love it, I'm sure. Having people back in the ground will hopefully bring back a feeling of some normality. We may not be there completely yet but it's another step forward.

"We all have a nervousness, not just about crowds, but each step we take forward because we all want it to go exactly the right way. It's hugely important for the venues to get a return of crowds, but it's got to be done in a safe and controlled manner."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/12318277/ashley-giles-says-england-could-reassert-their-support-for-the-black-lives-matter-movement-this-summer

 

[MenInG]

England fast bowler Oliver Robinson was suspended from all international cricket even after an impressive Test debut against New Zealand at Lord’s courtesy the resurfacing of some historical tweets he had posted in 2012-13 which were perceived to be ‘racist’ in nature. His suspension has triggered a massive debate in England and all over the world with some in support of the decision while others including the British Prime Minister himself labelling it too harsh.

Cricket is a gentleman’s game but every now and then racist slurs and remarks have tarnished its image and brought disrepute to the players and the sport. We look back at 5 such instances from history.

WTC Final: Virat Kohli & Co. to Get 20-day Break from Bio-bubble After Summit Clash vs New Zealand

1. The Monkeygate Scandal (2008)

This is one of the most famous cricket controversies involving racism in the sport’s history. India was on tour in Australia in 2008 and the incident happened during the infamous SCG Test. Brett Lee was charging in to Harbhajan Singh with India, at 451 for 7, on the verge of overhauling Australia’s total in the first innings. After fending off the last ball of the over, Harbhajan walked to the non-striker’s end and had a bit of a banter with Symonds.

The Australians made a formal complaint to the umpire about Harbhajan having targeted Symonds with a racist slur, calling him a ‘Monkey’. Tendulkar, the non-striker at the time, supported his team-mate and stated that no racist comment was hurled at Symonds. However, the match referee Mike Procter ruled that Harbhajan had breached Level 3 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct and slapped the Indian off-spinner with a three-test ban. The controversy blew out of proportion with the Indian team threatening to pull out of the tour. They appealed against the ban and subsequently the word of Tendulkar carried weight against the testimony of Ponting, Hayden and Michael Clarke and Harbhajan was cleared of racist charges. The three-match ban was revoked and was spinner was instead slapped with a 50% match fee fine.

2. Mahanama-Jayasuriya vs McGrath (1996)

Roshan Mahanama accused Australian great Glenn McGrath of calling Sanath Jayasuriya a ‘Black Monkey’ in a book by the former batsman and later ICC Match Referee. Mahanama said that that the legendary fast bowler abused Jayasuriya during the second final of the Benson and Hedges World Series at the SCG in 1996. Australia won the rain-reduced encounter and won the best of three finals.

McGrath denied the allegations strongly and was backed by the then Australian Cricket Board chief Malcolm Speed. Speed stated that Mahanama did not play the match and no report had been lodged with the umpires or match officials after the match. Mahanama’s timing of raising the controversy – just before the release of his book – was also looked at by suspicion by the Australians. Former captains Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh stated that it was a publicity stunt by Mahanama.

3. Sarfaraz Ahmed vs Andile Phehlukwayo (2019)

Pakistan skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed was handed a four-match ban for racially abusing South Africa’s all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the second ODI at Durban in 2019. Chasing 204, South Africa were reeling at 80 for 5 but then fought back courtesy a fightback from Rassie van der Dussen and Phehlukwayo. A frustrated Pakistani captain, in the 37th over of the innings, was heard on the stump mic saying, “Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What have you got her to say for you today?” – hurling these racist comments at Phehlukwayo.

The PCB released a statement expressing regret over Sarfaraz’s comments. The Pakistan captain regretted his comments and apologized through Twitter. Phehlukwayo accepted his apology. Incidentally, the all-rounder won the match for South Africa stitching together an unbeaten 127-run stand with Van der Dussen. He had also picked 4 wickets and was declared the Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round efforts.

Dinesh Karthik Heaps Praise on This Indian Youngster, Says Will Play 100 Tests for India

4. Moeen Ali vs the Australians (Ashes 2015)

England’s all-rounder Moeen Ali claimed that an Australian player (whom he did not name) called him ‘Osama’ during the Ashes series opener at Cardiff in 2015.

“It was a great first Ashes Test in terms of my personal performance. However there was one incident which had distracted me. An Australian player had turned to me on the field and said, ‘Take that, Osama.’ I could not believe what I had heard. I remember going really red. I have never been so angry on a cricket field,” quoted Ali.

Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann asked the concerned player about the racist remarks against Ali but they were categorically denied. “Lehmann asked the player, ‘Did you call Moeen Osama?’ He denied it, saying, ‘No, I said, ‘Take that, you part-timer.,” added Ali.

England coach Trevor Bayliss later said that Moeen “did not want to create problems for anyone” and so had convinced his teammates to drop the matter. Ali had scored 77 off 88 deliveries batting at number 8 in the first innings and also picked 5 wickets in the match.

5. Darren Sammy ‘Kalu’ Saga (2013)

Former West Indian captain and all-rounder, Darren Sammy brought to light in 2019 racist slurs hurled against him by a certain team-mate in the IPL in 2013. He added that it took him six years to understand the meaning and racist nature of the word. Sammy stated that he was proud to be a black person and being called ‘Kalu’ did not hurt him. He added that he spoke to the team-mate and did not want to criticize him but educate him on the matter.

“In hindsight, asking for apology I shouldn’t have even done that. If me and my team-mates have done something not intentionally, but now I realise that could be deemed or termed as something that could be hurtful to a team-mate of mine. So whether I get an apology or not, it doesn’t change the mentality of how proud I am to be a black person, to be a black man. It doesn’t change,” quoted Sammy.

6. The Tony Greig ‘Grovel’ Remark (1976)

Ahead of the 1976 series opener against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, the England captain Tony Greig came on TV and stated, “We’re going to make, with the help of Brian Closey and a few of my mates, we’re going to make the Windies grovel.”

This racial slur changed West Indies and world cricket history forever. Richards, especially did not take kindly to the remarks. He blasted 829 runs in 4 matches with three hundreds and two fifties. West Indies annihilated England 3-0 in the five-match series. It marked the beginning of the Great West Indies domination under the leadership of Clive Lloyd and then Richards itself – they did not lose a Test series from June 1980 till March 1995!

7. Brian Lara vs Kenya (1996 World Cup)

Kenya caused a shock upset in the 1996 World Cup when they beat the West Indies by 73 runs in Pune. Chasing 167, the strong Richie Richardson-led side were routed for a paltry 93.

Star batsman Brian Lara did not take kindly to the defeat and apparently made a dash to the Kenyan dressing room after the match hurling racist slurs at their players.

“It wasn’t that bad losing to you guys. You are black. Know what I mean. Now a team like South Africa is a different matter altogether. You know, this white thing comes into the picture. We can’t stand losing to them”.

Lara categorically denied the allegations and stated that he went to the dressing room to congratulate the Kenyan players.

8. Colin Croft Thrown Out of The Train in South Africa (1983)

West Indies’ legend Colin Croft was thrown off a whites-only Cape Town bound train in 1983 when he was on a rebel tour to the Apartheid hit South Africa. Incidentally, a white passenger came to the aid of Croft and accompanied him in a third-class carriage meant only for non-whites. The incident sent shock waves across South Africa and embarrassed the local government who had arranged the rebel tour to improve its image to the outside world.

The incident is reminiscent of the infamous incident involving Mahatma Gandhi when he was forcibly removed from a white-only carriage on a train in Pietermaritzburg due to the colour of his skin.

9. Darren Lehmann vs Sri Lanka (2003)

After being run-out in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Brisbane in 2003, Darren Lehmann allegedly mouthed abuses at the opposition players stating, “****s, *****, ****ing black *****.” Although Lehmann apologised for his comments on the night of the match itself, he was banned for 5 ODIs by the ICC.

10. Dean Jones vs Hashim Amla (2006)

Dean Jones, one of Australia’s greatest ODI batsmen turned commentator was sacked by Ten Sports after calling South African Hashim Amla a ‘terrorist’ during the fourth day’s play of a Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Colombo in 2006.

When Amla, who is a devout Muslim, took the catch to dismiss Kumar Sangakkara, Jones was heard to say “the terrorist has got another wicket”.

Jones apologised for his comment and stated that he he did intentionally wanted to hurt anyone. He added that he had a lot of respect for the Muslim faith and thus was orry a making such a stupid comment.

Gerald Majola, Cricket South Africa’s Chief Executive added that “this kind of insulting racial stereotyping has no place in cricket and must be stamped on swiftly. The ICC has strongly condemned racism and we will be discussing the matter with them.”

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...ks-that-rocked-the-cricket-world-3821966.html

 

[Rana]

England fast bowler Oliver Robinson was suspended from all international cricket even after an impressive Test debut against New Zealand at Lord’s courtesy the resurfacing of some historical tweets he had posted in 2012-13 which were perceived to be ‘racist’ in nature. His suspension has triggered a massive debate in England and all over the world with some in support of the decision while others including the British Prime Minister himself labelling it too harsh.

Cricket is a gentleman’s game but every now and then racist slurs and remarks have tarnished its image and brought disrepute to the players and the sport. We look back at 5 such instances from history.

WTC Final: Virat Kohli & Co. to Get 20-day Break from Bio-bubble After Summit Clash vs New Zealand

1. The Monkeygate Scandal (2008)

This is one of the most famous cricket controversies involving racism in the sport’s history. India was on tour in Australia in 2008 and the incident happened during the infamous SCG Test. Brett Lee was charging in to Harbhajan Singh with India, at 451 for 7, on the verge of overhauling Australia’s total in the first innings. After fending off the last ball of the over, Harbhajan walked to the non-striker’s end and had a bit of a banter with Symonds.

The Australians made a formal complaint to the umpire about Harbhajan having targeted Symonds with a racist slur, calling him a ‘Monkey’. Tendulkar, the non-striker at the time, supported his team-mate and stated that no racist comment was hurled at Symonds. However, the match referee Mike Procter ruled that Harbhajan had breached Level 3 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct and slapped the Indian off-spinner with a three-test ban. The controversy blew out of proportion with the Indian team threatening to pull out of the tour. They appealed against the ban and subsequently the word of Tendulkar carried weight against the testimony of Ponting, Hayden and Michael Clarke and Harbhajan was cleared of racist charges. The three-match ban was revoked and was spinner was instead slapped with a 50% match fee fine.

2. Mahanama-Jayasuriya vs McGrath (1996)

Roshan Mahanama accused Australian great Glenn McGrath of calling Sanath Jayasuriya a ‘Black Monkey’ in a book by the former batsman and later ICC Match Referee. Mahanama said that that the legendary fast bowler abused Jayasuriya during the second final of the Benson and Hedges World Series at the SCG in 1996. Australia won the rain-reduced encounter and won the best of three finals.

McGrath denied the allegations strongly and was backed by the then Australian Cricket Board chief Malcolm Speed. Speed stated that Mahanama did not play the match and no report had been lodged with the umpires or match officials after the match. Mahanama’s timing of raising the controversy – just before the release of his book – was also looked at by suspicion by the Australians. Former captains Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh stated that it was a publicity stunt by Mahanama.

3. Sarfaraz Ahmed vs Andile Phehlukwayo (2019)

Pakistan skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed was handed a four-match ban for racially abusing South Africa’s all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the second ODI at Durban in 2019. Chasing 204, South Africa were reeling at 80 for 5 but then fought back courtesy a fightback from Rassie van der Dussen and Phehlukwayo. A frustrated Pakistani captain, in the 37th over of the innings, was heard on the stump mic saying, “Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What have you got her to say for you today?” – hurling these racist comments at Phehlukwayo.

The PCB released a statement expressing regret over Sarfaraz’s comments. The Pakistan captain regretted his comments and apologized through Twitter. Phehlukwayo accepted his apology. Incidentally, the all-rounder won the match for South Africa stitching together an unbeaten 127-run stand with Van der Dussen. He had also picked 4 wickets and was declared the Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round efforts.

Dinesh Karthik Heaps Praise on This Indian Youngster, Says Will Play 100 Tests for India

4. Moeen Ali vs the Australians (Ashes 2015)

England’s all-rounder Moeen Ali claimed that an Australian player (whom he did not name) called him ‘Osama’ during the Ashes series opener at Cardiff in 2015.

“It was a great first Ashes Test in terms of my personal performance. However there was one incident which had distracted me. An Australian player had turned to me on the field and said, ‘Take that, Osama.’ I could not believe what I had heard. I remember going really red. I have never been so angry on a cricket field,” quoted Ali.

Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann asked the concerned player about the racist remarks against Ali but they were categorically denied. “Lehmann asked the player, ‘Did you call Moeen Osama?’ He denied it, saying, ‘No, I said, ‘Take that, you part-timer.,” added Ali.

England coach Trevor Bayliss later said that Moeen “did not want to create problems for anyone” and so had convinced his teammates to drop the matter. Ali had scored 77 off 88 deliveries batting at number 8 in the first innings and also picked 5 wickets in the match.

5. Darren Sammy ‘Kalu’ Saga (2013)

Former West Indian captain and all-rounder, Darren Sammy brought to light in 2019 racist slurs hurled against him by a certain team-mate in the IPL in 2013. He added that it took him six years to understand the meaning and racist nature of the word. Sammy stated that he was proud to be a black person and being called ‘Kalu’ did not hurt him. He added that he spoke to the team-mate and did not want to criticize him but educate him on the matter.

“In hindsight, asking for apology I shouldn’t have even done that. If me and my team-mates have done something not intentionally, but now I realise that could be deemed or termed as something that could be hurtful to a team-mate of mine. So whether I get an apology or not, it doesn’t change the mentality of how proud I am to be a black person, to be a black man. It doesn’t change,” quoted Sammy.

6. The Tony Greig ‘Grovel’ Remark (1976)

Ahead of the 1976 series opener against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, the England captain Tony Greig came on TV and stated, “We’re going to make, with the help of Brian Closey and a few of my mates, we’re going to make the Windies grovel.”

This racial slur changed West Indies and world cricket history forever. Richards, especially did not take kindly to the remarks. He blasted 829 runs in 4 matches with three hundreds and two fifties. West Indies annihilated England 3-0 in the five-match series. It marked the beginning of the Great West Indies domination under the leadership of Clive Lloyd and then Richards itself – they did not lose a Test series from June 1980 till March 1995!

7. Brian Lara vs Kenya (1996 World Cup)

Kenya caused a shock upset in the 1996 World Cup when they beat the West Indies by 73 runs in Pune. Chasing 167, the strong Richie Richardson-led side were routed for a paltry 93.

Star batsman Brian Lara did not take kindly to the defeat and apparently made a dash to the Kenyan dressing room after the match hurling racist slurs at their players.

“It wasn’t that bad losing to you guys. You are black. Know what I mean. Now a team like South Africa is a different matter altogether. You know, this white thing comes into the picture. We can’t stand losing to them”.

Lara categorically denied the allegations and stated that he went to the dressing room to congratulate the Kenyan players.

8. Colin Croft Thrown Out of The Train in South Africa (1983)

West Indies’ legend Colin Croft was thrown off a whites-only Cape Town bound train in 1983 when he was on a rebel tour to the Apartheid hit South Africa. Incidentally, a white passenger came to the aid of Croft and accompanied him in a third-class carriage meant only for non-whites. The incident sent shock waves across South Africa and embarrassed the local government who had arranged the rebel tour to improve its image to the outside world.

The incident is reminiscent of the infamous incident involving Mahatma Gandhi when he was forcibly removed from a white-only carriage on a train in Pietermaritzburg due to the colour of his skin.

9. Darren Lehmann vs Sri Lanka (2003)

After being run-out in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Brisbane in 2003, Darren Lehmann allegedly mouthed abuses at the opposition players stating, “*****, *****, ****ing black *****.” Although Lehmann apologised for his comments on the night of the match itself, he was banned for 5 ODIs by the ICC.

10. Dean Jones vs Hashim Amla (2006)

Dean Jones, one of Australia’s greatest ODI batsmen turned commentator was sacked by Ten Sports after calling South African Hashim Amla a ‘terrorist’ during the fourth day’s play of a Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Colombo in 2006.

When Amla, who is a devout Muslim, took the catch to dismiss Kumar Sangakkara, Jones was heard to say “the terrorist has got another wicket”.

Jones apologised for his comment and stated that he he did intentionally wanted to hurt anyone. He added that he had a lot of respect for the Muslim faith and thus was orry a making such a stupid comment.

Gerald Majola, Cricket South Africa’s Chief Executive added that “this kind of insulting racial stereotyping has no place in cricket and must be stamped on swiftly. The ICC has strongly condemned racism and we will be discussing the matter with them.”

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...ks-that-rocked-the-cricket-world-3821966.html

50% of cases involving Australians as the potential racists

 

[MenInG]

Former India wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer has expressed his disbelief over England PM Boris Johnson’s disapproval of Ollie Robinson’s suspension over racist remarks years ago. “I am reading in the papers about Boris Johnson. I think it is absolute rubbish for a prime minister to lend his name to such a statement. Punish the fellow (Robinson). I think the ECB has done absolutely the right thing by suspending him. He has committed an error of judgement, he should pay for it. It will be a deterrent,” Engineer tells The Indian Express from Manchester.

Over a decade ago Robinson had made unsavoury remarks on Twitter. In one of the tweets he had said, “My new Muslim friend is the bomb; “I wonder if Asian People put smileys like this ¦) #racist;” and “The guy next to me on the train definitely has Ebola.”

Engineer, who represented Lancashire in his time, says it’s a real shame to make such comments, and players should not be able to get away with it. “It is a real shame when you say he was a youngster who was 18 (when he tweeted). It is an age at which an individual is responsible. If they (cricketers) can get away with it, then things would be worse. People will make all sorts of comments against us (Asians). It has to be nipped in the bud. To talk about Asians like that in such a context or make other comments reflects on the upbringing,” Engineer, who played 46 Tests for India, says.

“I am not saying ban them for life, but certainly give them a hefty fine where it hurts their wallet and suspend them from Test cricket for a series or from First-Class cricket for a while. Be strict about it.”

“When I first came into county cricket, there were question marks like ‘he is from India?’ I did face it (racist comments) once or twice when I joined Lancashire. Nothing very personal, but just because I was from India. It had to do with making fun of my accent. I think my English is better than most Englishmen really, so soon they realised that you don’t mess around with Farokh Engineer. They got the message. I gave it back to them straightaway. Not only that, I proved myself with my bat and gloves as well. I was simply proud I put India on the map as an ambassador for the country.”

But other Indians are at the receiving end too. Engineer in a recent podcast with Cyrus Broacha had discussed how Boycott was often heard saying ‘bloody Indians’.

“Boycott’s comment… well it was a common thing. I don’t want to make an issue about only Boycott. The others, even if they didn’t say it, they thought of it. He was not the only one, there were a few others, including Australians as well.”

But the IPL has changed it all, and now the foreign players cosy up to the Indian players. “We were all ‘bloody Indians’ to them till a few years ago. Now once the IPL started, they are all licking our backsides. It amazes me that just because of the money, they are licking our boots now. But people like me know what their true colours were initially. Now they suddenly changed their tunes. India is a good country to go for a few months and do some television work, if not play and make money.”

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...ted-theyre-licking-our-backsides-3825449.html

 

[OMB]

A report on news website stuff.co.nz said a complaint had been made by a New Zealand follower watching the match on television. He said the abuse had included racist comments directed at batsman Ross Taylor, whose mother comes from Samoa.

 

[Firebat]

A report on news website stuff.co.nz said a complaint had been made by a New Zealand follower watching the match on television. He said the abuse had included racist comments directed at batsman Ross Taylor, whose mother comes from Samoa.

A lot of vile and profane abuse was directed towards Jamieson and his family in Instagram comments as well.

 

[mastimasti]

A lot of vile and profane abuse was directed towards Jamieson and his family in Instagram comments as well.

Was this by Indian fans? And what about what happened in the stadium?

 

[MenInG]

Statement from the Australian Men’s Cricket Team

The Australian men’s cricket team stands with the West Indies cricket team in condemning racial injustice and discrimination, both at home in Australia, and throughout the World.

As a team we’ll continue to educate ourselves, provide support where possible, and create awareness for those who are victims of racial injustice, and/or discrimination in any form.

We kneel alongside our West Indian friends to recognise and show our support of all those who have been victims of racial injustice and/or discrimination, past and present.

 

[OMB]

Racism is a serious issue in sports just like in general life.
People behaving racially as a mob, just shows their insecurities and misplaced loyalties.

 

[MenInG]

The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) has now appointed four Commissioners, with expertise in cricket, equality and organisational change, to take forward its independent examination of equity in the sport.

The Commissioners are:

Zafar Ansari – a former professional cricketer who played for Surrey and England. Zafar came through the Surrey academy system representing both the county and England from a young age. Zafar is completing his training as a barrister at Blackstone Chambers and will commence full-time practice there from September 2021.

Sir Brendan Barber – Deputy Chair of the Financial Services Culture Board and a former Trades Union Congress General Secretary, Chair of ACAS, member of the Court of Directors of the Bank of England and Board member at Sport England

Dr Michael Collins – an associate professor of modern British history at UCL and Vice Dean in the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences, with expertise in the areas of immigration, race and identity. Michael has direct experience of county pathway cricket and is writing a book on Caribbean cricket in England since 1948.

Michelle Moore – a leadership coach, consultant, former athlete and international speaker with extensive experience leading initiatives at the intersection of sport and social change. Michelle’s roles include trustee for the SportsAid charity, sitting on the Sport England Talent Inclusion Advisory Board, and senior honorary associate lecturer for the University of Worcester.

ICEC Chair Cindy Butts said:

“This is a critical time for equality in sport and wider society; for making changes that matter and that make a real and lasting difference. We have seen how leadership in sport and the championing of progressive values and anti-racism has the power to positively affect the nation. Recent events have also put into sharp focus the racism that elite sportspeople still face and the negative impact it has on their lives.

"It is in this context that I am thrilled to bring together this team of Commissioners, with their expertise across cricket, equalities, sport, leadership and organisational change and their determination and commitment to making cricket a sport for all. They will bring both rigour and a depth and breadth of experience to the Commission as we examine the issues of equity in cricket.

"Together we have developed the scope of our work, which will include a focus on race, gender and class within cricket. We need to understand the pathways to professional cricket and, importantly, identify barriers to access that currently exist so they can be dismantled. We will examine written and oral evidence, current and historical, from those who have experienced or witnessed discrimination or prejudice on the basis of race, gender or class. The Commission will also look at the historic and current culture, including the governance and leadership, of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

"Our open call for evidence will be launched in the autumn and next summer we will deliver our report to the ECB summarising our findings and making recommendations as to how the Board can make the changes desperately needed to make cricket a sport for all."

Cindy Butts was appointed as Chair of the ICEC by the ECB earlier this year, bringing to the role her extensive experience leading on inclusion and equity across the government and justice/policing sectors, as well as serving as a member of the Board of Trustees for football’s equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out.

The ICEC was commissioned by the ECB to examine issues of equity in the sport. The Commission expects to complete its work in summer 2022.

The Commission’s full terms of reference are:

1.1. The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (the Commission) was announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (the ECB) on 2 March 2021 to examine issues of equity in the ECB led sport of cricket (the sport).

1.2. The Commission will examine questions of equity in relation to race, gender and class within the sport including access to the sport, the pathways to professional level cricket, and barriers to access and progression through such pathways.

1.3. The Commission will examine and consider written and oral evidence, whether current or historical. It will encourage and take evidence from all those who wish to give it so that it can listen to and record the lived experiences of those who have been subjected to, or have witnessed discrimination or prejudice based on race, gender and class. However, the Commission will not investigate individual complaints.

1.4. The Commission shall also review the strategic decision making and approach of the ECB in relation to its work on race, gender and class. It will consider the types of data collected, and how that data is used by the ECB to support its strategic decision making.

1.5. The Commission will also examine, in the context of race, gender and class:

1.5.1. the historic and current culture within the sport;

1.5.2. the current governance and leadership of the ECB and within the sport;

1.5.3. the efficiency, effectiveness and application of the current grievance, disciplinary and complaints handling processes, whether formal or informal;

1.5.4. the whistleblowing procedures that are in place and whether or not they are appropriate and effective.

1.6. The Commission will highlight areas of good practice, as they relate to issues of race, gender and class, whether within the sport or from other sports.

1.7. The Commission will produce a written report once it has completed its work. If appropriate it will make practical recommendations as to how the ECB, and the sport, can make good on the issues that are identified. Where issues are drawn to the Commission’s attention that are outside its current scope (race, gender and class) and they relate to protected characteristics as defined by the Equalities Act 2010, the Commission will highlight these within its report and make further recommendations to the ECB in this regard.

 

[MenInG]

Horrific

 

[PakLFC]

Racism is more prevalent in teams that have fewer coloured players. So many times I have lip read Australian and New Zealand bowlers making silent racial comments when bowling to coloured batsmen. Due to the history of the UK and Australia such sides still look upon coloured players as their slaves. Michael Holding was spot on about "western arrogance".