BCCI, ICC And Indian Team-Management Dealing With The Racism Incident: Rajeev Shukla

While the ongoing series between India and Australia have seen unusual harmony between the players on the field, it has been rocked by a shameful off-the-field incident that took place on Saturday. India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and his bowling partner Mohammed Siraj were allegedly abused with racial jibes on the third day of the ongoing third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

The incident happened during the final session of the day when Siraj was fielding at fine leg near the boundary ropes at the Randwick end of the SCG. According to reports, few drunk supporters took racial jibes at the Indian players. The players took cognizance of the abuse and immediately reported it to skipper Ajinkya Rahane.

Rahane also made sure to report the misdeed of the spectators to the on-field umpires at stumps after a long discussion with the senior players of the team. As per report, the BCCI has also lodged a formal complaint with ICC Match Referee David Boon about the incident. Unsurprisingly, the incident is being condemned from all the corners and BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has also joined the bandwagon to slam the spectators for their behaviour.

‘Cricket is a gentleman’s game’:

Rajeev Shukla has reminded the Aussie spectators that cricket is a gentlemen’s game and there is no place for such behaviour in the game. Rajeev Shukla also stated that BCCI secretary Jay Shah has got to know about the developments and is currently in touch with the concerned authorities. The Indian team-management as well as the ICC are also dealing with the matter.

“We have come to know about the issue. Cricket is a gentleman’s game, and these kinds of things are not allowed or accepted. The team management is dealing with the matter. The BCCI as well as the ICC is aware of it and there are ICC rules and provisions which forbid anyone from making comments that are racial in nature.

“In spite of that, if somebody is using racial comments, I think the Australian court should take cognizance of it, and these kinds of incidents must be prevented. There is no place for such acts, and these kinds of things are not allowed or accepted. I think every board should take cognizance of it and take strict measures to ensure such acts aren’t repeated,” said Rajiv Shukla as quoted by NDTV sports.

This is not the first time that such an incident has taken place during an India-Australia series. Back in 2008, the racism row of “Monkeygate” had rocked the Test series Down Under. On that occasion, former Australia batsman Andrew Symonds had accused Harbhajan Singh of racially abusing him and calling him a monkey. After a courtroom battle, Harbhajan was handed a three-Test ban but he was eventually cleared of the charge.

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