Published: Nov 13, 2016, 06:28 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 13, 2016, 06:28 PM (IST)
A fresh case of racism has come into light with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) releasing a statement that chants against some of its cricketers were made during the recently-concluded second Test against Sri Lanka. This is the second such embarrassing case which has come to light recently, as Cricket Australia (CA) too had to take action against a spectator who made racist comments against former South African captain and their batting mainstay Hashim Amla during the first Test against Australia last week at WACA, Perth. The incident in Zimbabwe took place towards the very end of the second Test which Sri Lanka won. ALSO READ: Racist remarks over Hashim Amla hands spectator 3-year ban
Zimbabwe had lost both their Tests and are now preparing for a tri-series at home which involves Sri Lanka and West Indies. The statement from Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) reads, “Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) was deeply disturbed by the conduct of a section of fans who made abusive and racist chants targeted at our players during Zimbabwe’s just-ended Test series against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club. We condemn any act of racism, abuse or intolerance in cricket, in particular, and sport, in general. “ZC strictly upholds the ICC Anti-Racism Code that confirms a level of commitment from the ICC and its members to promote and encourage participation at all levels regardless of race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin and to ensure that there is no discrimination in the sport.”
The cricket governing body in Zimbabwe has said that they will be investigating the incident, and the culprits will be imposed with sanctions. The statement continued, “The ICC code also requires members to impose punishments including life bans on anyone found guilty of racial abuse. In this sense, ZC warns that it is taking steps to introduce sanctions against those involved in such incidents. There is absolutely no place for racism or any form of prejudice in the game of cricket.”
