Australia U19 Players Face Sanctions For Mocking Indian Fans On Social Media

Some members of Australia’s U19 World Cup squad face sanctions for comments on social media that have been branded as casual racism. Before the quarterfinal clash against India in the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup, few players from the Australian team took to Instagram to make fun of the Indian fans’ broken English.

It all started when Australia batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk posted a picture of himself along with the caption: “Quarter-finals here we come”. His teammates then decided to have some fun at the expense of the Indian fans. Batsman Oliver Davies wrote: “Sir great player, big fan, and will play India one day.”

Spinner Tanveer Sangha added, “You hit ball very hard sir” while all-rounder Liam Scott wrote, “Sir give me whatsapp number I want to be friend”. Middle-order batsman Lachlan Hearne then posted, “Young Steve Smith sir” while opening batsman Sam Fanning said: “How u bat so good young man.”

Also Read: Australia U19 Stars Involved In Racism Shame, Mock Indian Fans On Social Media Before Being Thrashed By India

Fraser-McGruk deleted the comments but the damage has already been done. Cricket Australia’s head of integrity and security Sean Carroll has spoken with those players for their shameful gesture. He said that Cricket Australia have already spoken to ICC about the matter and the players now face sanctions once they return home.

“We are extremely disappointed that some of the Australian Under-19 squad members have used inappropriate language in posts on social media, which we reported to the ICC as soon as it came to our attention,” Carroll said in a statement. “Some of that language could be interpreted as ridiculing non-native English language speakers.”

“I have spoken to the players this morning and expressed in no uncertain terms that such language has no place in society and falls well short of the standards we expect as Australian cricketers.

“Cricket Australia will consider sanctions upon their return home from South Africa, which will include but not be limited to education and cultural sensitivity training. Most of the players do not have their parents present with them in South Africa and some of them are minors. Accordingly, we believe it is appropriate to consider sanctions upon their return home,” he added.

Meanwhile, Australia’s journey in the World Cup has come to an end after they lost the quarterfinal clash to India by 74 runs. Chasing 234, they were all out for just 159. They will now play two games to determine their ranking at the next U19 World Cup.