Racism in Sports | Cricket


Racism in Sports | Cricket

racsim in cricket featured

Are Black and White just colours? No, on our planet it is something that is used to treat people accordingly. Yes, I am talking about racism which exists everywhere and if we talk about sports, no one would ever deny that.

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Racism is a disease, which has been in our world for years. However, untill now there is no medicine other than ‘Human Acceptance’ available. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic going on from horrible to worst, the movement of racism has agitated. The death of George Floyd, an unarmed black-man, has given rise to the issue back into the topic of dispute.

However, it’s the sport of cricket that has glanced out lots of racial discrimination incidents on and off the field.

Following the death of Floyd in the USA, numerous sports personalities have taken a stand against racism. Also, they have proposed their support in the movement urging an end to discrimination, on the basis of origin and colour.

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Global sports idols like Michael Jordan, Naomi Osaka, Seren Williams, and Chris Gayle are among those who have criticized racism. Following them other cricketers also made it clear that they faced it. However, ICC has asserted that they are against racism, saying, without diversity, cricket is nothing.

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On that note, here are 5 incidents, when racism was seen in cricket

When Sarfraz Ahmed called Andile Phehlukwayo “Abey Kaaley”

Former Pakistan skipper, Sarfraz Ahmed was caught sledging all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during an ODI match against South Africa in Durban last year. The video-clip of that had gone viral after which the Pakistan batsman faced serious backlash on social media.

Sarfraz was caught on the stump mic saying: “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya para ke aaye hai Aaj?” (Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What [prayer] have you got her to say for you today?).

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Sarfraz also encountered the consequences of using racial slurs as he was suspended for four matches by ICC.

Later, Sarfraz met Andile Phehlukwayo and apologised for his words.

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Jofra Archer racially abused by a fan during Test vs New Zealand

England pacer Jofra Archer has been encouraging people to speak up against racism following the death of George Floyd. He has also been offering his support to the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

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Archer said, “I’m very glad the Black Lives Matter campaign has got as vocal as this.”

“As an individual, I’ve always been one for speaking out, especially if something bothers you. My personal view is that you should never keep things bottled up because racism is not okay.” he added in is column for Daily Mail.

Archer himself was racially abused during England’s 1st Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui last year.

Barbadian-born English cricketer has stated that he was racially abused by a fan while stepping back to the pavilion during the final day of the first Test at the Bay Oval. Archer had tweeted out after the incident, saying, it was “a bit disturbing” to hear racial taunts.

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The 28-year-old man who racially abused Archer, was restricted from attending international and domestic games in New Zealand for two years.

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Dean Jones’s ‘terrorist’ remark for Hashim Amla

In 2006, Former Australia batsman and TV commentator Dean Jones was heard calling former South African cricketer Hashim Amla a “terrorist” on live television during a Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa at Colombo.

The incident occurred when Amla took a catch to deport Kumar Sangakkara after which Jones was heard saying, “the terrorist has got another wicket”. Jones was also dismissed by his employers, Ten Sports following the incident.

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The Australian later also apologized for his remarks. “It was a silly and completely insensitive thing to say. Obviously, it was never supposed to be heard over the air. I am truly sorry to have caused offense to anybody and the last thing I intended was to be disrespectful.”

“Everyone needs to get away from perpetuating the myth, publicly and privately. That beards associated with the Muslim faith are somehow suspicious, and I intend to do exactly that. The irony is that I am great friends with most of the Pakistan team and they are all Muslims.” He further added.

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Darren Lehmann’s racist outburst

Former Australian batsman, Darren Lehmann had to face wide criticism after his racial explosion during a match against Sri Lanka. Lehmann had shouted “black c****” in the dressing room after he was run-out in the Brisbane ODI.

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Lehmann later confessed that the offence that had him banned for five ODIs was “the biggest mistake” of his life.

“It was the biggest mistake of my life. I apologized for it on the night, to the captain Kumar Sangakkara [Sanath Jayasuriya was captain] and the Sri Lankan team, and hopefully, they’ve forgiven me and we can move on,” Lehmann had said.

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Darren Sammy called “Kaalu” during IPL

Several West Indies cricketers have implied outrage against racism following the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Among them, was former West Indies captain Darren Sammy who contended that he was subjected to racist comments during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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“I just learnt what that ‘Kalu’ meant when I played for Sunrisers in the IPL. They call me and Perera by that name. I thought it meant strong Stallion. My previous post tells me something different and I’m angry,” Sammy wrote on his Instagram page.

“Oh, so that’s what that meant when they called me and @tp_perera Kalu in India when we played for Sunrisers. I just thought they were calling me a strong black man I’m more piss (sic) now.”

Earlier, Sammy had also urged the ICC to take serious note of racism which exists cricket.

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