Racial abuse happens a lot in Australia & SA, says Gautam Gambhir

NEW DELHI: Abuse and comments on the colour of the skin "happen a lot, especially in places like Australia and South Africa", and that is not acceptable, said former India captain Gautam Gambhir, referring to the recent incidents of racist comments targetted at Indian players during the third Test in Sydney.

"[It's] very unfortunate and that is something which is absolutely not acceptable in any sport. Not only cricket, but in any sport and that's where I think there need to be stricter laws. When it happens to a certain player, it is only that individual who feels about it," said Gambhir speaking on Star Sports show Cricket Connected,

Gambhir said there needs to be stricter laws so that such incidents do not take place in any sport, let alone cricket.

"You do get abused, in places like South Africa, Australia, when you are playing in a Boxing Day Test match and that kind of stuff as well. But then, you got to accept that, but it depends what kind of an abuse that is and what all has been said to you. That is something which is not acceptable, especially on your colour of skin and the abuse as well. It does happen a lot, especially in places like Australia and South Africa. So, these things need to be stopped," he said.

Gambhir condemned the reported incidents of racial abuse during the Sydney Test.

After the racial comments were made against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj by a section of the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) at the end of the third day's play, the team management apprised match referee David Boon, a former Australia player, of alleged racial abuse of players. The incident took place again the next day, following which six people were evicted from the stands just before the tea interval during Australia's second innings on Day Four of the match.

The third Test ended in a draw on Monday, after some remarkable rearguard batting by Richabh Pant, Chesteshwar Pujara, Hamuma Vihari, and R. Ashwin. Chasing a mammoth winning target of 407, India reached 334 for five wickets while facing 131 overs before both teams decided to shake hands, signalling the end of the match.

Gambhir praised India's effort, particularly that of Pant and Pujara. IANS

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