Cricket Australia (CA), on Wednesday (January 27) has confirmed that the Indian cricket team was subjected to racial abuse during the ‘New Year Test’ at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) earlier this month. In their investigation it was found that racial abuse hurled at pacer Mohammed Siraj. However, but CA has cleared the six spectators who had been removed from the stadium of any wrongdoing.
In a report by cricket.com.au, CA’s Head of Integrity & Security Sean Carroll confirmed this recent development.
“Cricket Australia has submitted its report into crowd behaviour at the SCG during the third Test against India to the International Cricket Council.
“CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse. 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 four of the Test did not engage in racist behaviour.
“As stated at the time of the incident, CA has a zero tolerance policy towards discriminatory behaviour in all forms and, as hosts of the Border-Gavaskar series, apologises to the Indian men’s cricket team.
“CA is awaiting confirmation from NSW Police that it has completed its investigation into the matter and will not offer further comment until it is received.”
During the Test match Siraj had informed the officials about the racial abuse which was aimed towards him when he was fielding in the boundary line. Following the Indian team’s official complaint CA got together with New South Wales Police to launch an investigation.