Aussies confirm Indian players were racially abused

Melbourne, January 27

Cricket Australia (CA) today confirmed India’s players were subjected to racial abuse during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six spectators who were taken from their seats and questioned by police at the ground.

CA launched an investigation with New South Wales Police after India fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj complained of hearing racist slurs while fielding near the boundary rope. Play was held up for about 10 minutes on Day 3 after Siraj approached an umpire to voice his concerns before police stepped in to take six male fans from their seats.

England players arrive in Chennai

Chennai: Members of the England cricket team, including captain Joe Root, arrived in the city today for the four-match series against India with the first two Tests to be played here. Some of the Indian players and members of the support staff also landed in this city. The first Test will start on February 5. PTI

“CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse,” CA integrity chief Sean Carroll said in a statement. “CA’s own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data and interviews with spectators still being analysed 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,” he added.

CA said it had submitted its report on the investigation to the International Cricket Council. — Agencies