Exclusive: Monty Panesar Tips To Eradicate Racism From Cricket

At the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) 2020, Joaquin Phoenix spoke about “systematic racism”, in his acceptance speech for best leading actor for Joker. Saying the issue cannot be ignored, the 45-year-old felt ashamed that many deserving candidates were not nominated due to “color”.

Alike the entertainment industry, cricketers have also dealt with fair share of racial abuse, with England fast bowler Jofra Archer being the recent victim.

If not anyone, cricketers themselves can take steps to eradicate racial abuse from the game.

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We don’t play if we face racism: Monty Panesar

In an exclusive interview to Cricket Addictor, veteran England spinner Monty Panesar speaks about how players can take a huge step in keeping racism away from the game.

“I think the players can play a huge part, by stopping the game at the start for one minute and make an announcement on the big screen,” Panesar told Cricket Addictor over phone from England.

“We don’t play if we face racism”.

Monty Panesar endured a hard time in personal life

Panesar earned 50 Test caps for England, but his career also saw a downward slope. He was involved in a bitter divorce with his wife Gursharan Rattan in 2013, which left him devastated.

The reports of his divorce emerged only a few days after, he was arrested for misbehaving after getting drunk and urinating in public.

However, Panesar by his own admission, enjoyed his successful moments with the team.

“I was not afraid to enjoy and celebrate my successful moments during my England career. I was enthusiastic enjoyed every part of being an international cricketer,” the 37-year-old said.

“Apart from being hit for sixes”.

Panesar shared the ball with off-spinner Graeme Swann regularly during his days. The duo have also bowled successfully in tandem for their national team on quite a few occasion.

Speaking of it Panesar said, “I loved bowling with Graeme Swann, he was the best spinner I bowled with and was an amazing cricketer to play with too, we were NorthantsCCC teammates and enjoyed playing together.”