Canberra – Australian cricket’s governing body has apologised to India and is investigating claims that visiting players were subjected to racist abuse by spectators during the third Test.
India made an official complaint after day three on Saturday that bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj had received racist abuse in Sydney.
And on Sunday, play was halted for ten minutes after more alleged abuse.
Six people were subsequently ejected from the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Cricket Australia (CA) and New South Wales police are investigating this incident, which was reported to umpires by Siraj.
India reported the alleged racist abuse on Saturday to match referee David Boon and the International Cricket Council said it was “incredibly disappointed” with the incidents at the SCG.
The ICC said it will support CA in its investigation of the claims of racist abuse and that CA will have to submit a report within two weeks.
Referring to Saturday’s incident, CA’s head of integrity and security Sean Carroll said: “If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket.
“Once those responsible are identified, CA will take the strongest measures possible under our anti-harassment code, including lengthy bans, further sanctions and referral to New South Wales police.
“As series hosts, we unreservedly apologise to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent.” (BBC)
