As far as racism in cricket goes, it is existing since the time cricket started. It has just become more prominent these days. All thanks to the media and television. From the recent happenings in the last 5 years, it has been made obvious by the administrators that they have one set of rules for "A" class of countries and a different set of rules for "B" class of countries. The most visible and living example is the "Mike Denness issue in South Africa". The "non-Asian" category of countries have had clean chits in all the incidents involving atrocious behavior. Michael Slater's outburst when Australia toured India.
A lot of thought needs to be put by the administration (probably the ICC) to bring about racial correction. The pitch is no place to settle racial issues. Corrective actions such as fines is not answer to a racial slur made by a player. With commerce being an integral part of cricket these days, players individually earn more than the Board of that country actually does. The best bet would be match bans, reduction of runs, handing over matches to opponents. A players' action must directly affect the team; only then will players realize that their actions count.
Racism stems from lack of confidence to perform and outshine another in a level playing ground. Even Indians are racist in a way because we know (it was even more true in the past when Pakistan was a better side than us)that Pakistan will beat us so we find flimsy excuses for not playing Pakistan. No one accuses us of racism because our boys are not white. Racism is a way to keep out others from my turf, because they are unpredictable, maybe better than us. Its the same when you look for a job in another country. You probably would do a better job or at a cheaper wage.. so what they do is keep you out. As a matter of fact racism is against free and fair competition. However we have seen that free and fair competiotion alone can bring out the best in us. Racism makes the human race less able, and so should be avoided, not only because it is not a nice thing, but alos because it makes us worse off.
RE:Lassiez faire Mate!
by Madhu on Jul 02, 2003 03:42 PM
Hey Mr.Pak ,what do you mean by saying "We find flimsy excuses for not playing Pakistan".I bet no Indian tells out of his heart that pakistan is better than india.Now your origin is caught !!!! stop playing or fighting in thin air ....ok....ok...all world cup defeats are enough proof for you i think so....
I dont think australia are living in a fools paradise. I think they have played exceptional cricket that other teams have failed to match. While no team can afford overconfidence I beliee that Mr Gray is wrong on this count.
I rate this team almost as good as the west-indies tean under clive lloyd. As long as the team is able to keep up the spirit and competitive edge it will survibe.
Dear Sir, It is heartening to note that Mr Gray has acknowledeged the exhistance of Racism in world cricket. Racist Comments of Austaralian and South Africal Cricketers, Newzealand's comments on others and mr Mike denness stupid and idiotic decision to put a black mark on Sachin Tendulkar's career are all because of the absence of Culture the True Cricket culture in the Game. When Millions are spent on promotions , ads and many other things , why not spend some money to send these kids to go to London to study ethnicity, human values and good sportsmanship. The whites players should be forced to work, train non whites before they can get back to the league etc. Indian and Pakistani players should be forbidden to talk on politics and religion or any thing other than cricket which can worsen the exhisting conditions. The MCC should not force any country to play with another country if they are at war with each other. Pakistan has been waging an undeclared war against India. Does it make sense to show Pak Players as heroes in India and send them with millions ? It is just not Cricket !
