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VOICE YOUR VIEWS: RACISM IN CRICKET

Racism is the result of ego of any European player. It is the narrow mindedness of players of the so called superior nations in the world of sports and cricketing countries like England, Australia and New Zealand. The history of cricket shows great players in each era, who made cricket a passion, as status symbols a kind of religion, because of their performance and achievement on and off the field.

Sir Don Bradman, Gary Sobers, Sunil Gavaskar, Viv Richards and Sachin Tendulkar are some illustrious examples. The racism virus should not be allowed to spread.

Cricket is an international game widely accepted by the world and is indeed a unifying force. Feeling of race, religion, caste and creed in the game is unpardonable. It has become the order of the day to provoke cricket players of a country and then give it a racist colour to degrade the players. Any room for creating difference of race or religion in cricket will jeopardise the real spirit of the game.

Racism in cricket or in any sport is to be condemned in the strongest possible epithets. The colour is the main factor in racism. But colour does not make any difference in quality and ability of human beings on scientific grounds. It is created by men of the opposite colour and propagated continuously and relentlessly to achieve selfish ends. Hence all should unite to eradicate this abominable evil lock, stock and barrel from the sports arena.

Racist abuse in international cricket is a serious issue that damages the very spirit of true and fair play in cricket. The gentleman’s game is losing its grace. The world’s most civilised game is fraught with racism from the field to the crowd. A clear cut guideline to combat the menace is an imperative need in the interest of the game. The allegation of racist abuse is serious and serves no purpose for the cricket fraternity. A change of heart with regard to the behaviour of the players on the field is the need of the hour. Otherwise, it will turn out to be a dampener for sport that is enjoyed and liked by the people around the world. What purpose does it serve to waste our time and energy in witnessing a cricket match again if the game is not played in its true spirit?

If we look back at history, we were first to invite South Africa to play their first match in Kolkata when they scrapped their apartheid policy. Before that the only nations to play with South Africa were England, Australia and New Zealand. ICC has always favoured white nations. ICC- appointed umpires, black or white, always favour white players. It is high time that cricket nations formed their own council leaving out Australia, England and South Africa till they become mature enough to play in a friendly manner with other nations.

Racism has been there for long. And all through the history of cricket, Australia and England have been accused of passing racist comments on opponents like West Indies, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. But the world preferred not to notice on those occasions. Only when the BCCI, the richest cricket board, took the issue seriously, the world turned its attention towards racism. Despite being worse sufferers, other countries were hardly given any notice. This must change. Law is equal for everyone. If India can threaten to hold the series for its sake, every country has a right to do it. The ICC must take stringent steps to curb racism, without being partial to the countries with richer cricket boards.

Talent alone should be considered as the foremost requirement for cricket players. Fortunately, the best players have been selected from different States. On no account, racism should enter Indiann cricket. Physical fitness, mentalalertness and moral goodness are essential for members of team India. Efficiency of team must not be clouded by such accusations.

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