Cricket Australia confirmed that Indian players were subjected to racial abuse during the third Test match in Sydney. However, the spectators who were questioned by police earlier were cleared by the authority after investigation.
The story
In a statement, Cricket Australia integrity chief Sean Carroll said, “CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse.” Cricket Australia launched an investigation with New South Wales Police after India fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj complained of hearing racist slurs at the time of fielding near the boundary line. Even play was on hold for about 10 minutes on day three when Siraj voiced his concern to an umpire. Police stepped in and took six male fans from their seats.
Cricket Australia on Wednesday confirmed the same but cleared those six spectators. “CA’s own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data, and interviews with spectators still being analyzed in an attempt to locate those responsible. CA’s investigation concluded that the spectators filmed and/or photographed by media in the Brewongle Stand concourse at the conclusion of the 86th over on day three of the Test did not engage in racist behaviour.”
When Ashwin speaks about racism
Cricket Australia also said that it had submitted its report on the investigation to International Cricket Council. The board added that it was awaiting confirmation from police that they had completed its own investigation. Unfortunately, the exciting series was much overshadowed by the allegations of racism at the climax. Ravichandran Ashwin also said during the third Test match about the same.
The bowler opined that these kinds of things must be dealt strictly so that it does not happen again. “It is definitely not acceptable in this day and age. This must definitely be dealt with iron-fist and we must make sure it doesn’t happen again,” the bowler said.
