Racial comments, insults, sledging, and making fun of have become the norms whenever the Indian cricket team plays in Australia. It is astonishing that over the years our players have become hardened and tend to be docile. Once in a way some players have reiterated or complained but nothing changed.
The Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) is the richest of all the global cricket boards and plays a large and influential role in the International Cricket Council (ICC). Similarly, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a windfall for several players, including those from Australia. All these should work in favour of India and help to take Australian cricketers to task.
India should avoid playing in Australia till there is an assurance that our players would not be harassed. Alternatively, both the teams could play in a neutral country like we do with Pakistan. If these methods do not work, then it is time that India boycott playing cricket with Australia. Perhaps from India’s example the other teams which too are suffering silently would follow suit.
When racial comments are punishable in Australia how come it is not used against spectators in a cricket ground? The unruly offenders are asked to vacate the stadium but no action is taken.
The players and BCCI need to forget the monetary aspects and safeguard the dignity and self-respect for the sake of India, themselves and their family.
SRIDHAR D’IYER, Caranzalem
