Another apology tendered in battle against racism

NEW DELHI: The “Black Lives Matter” campaign is highlighted in international sport by taking the knee, but it is not a prominent anti-racism statement in cricket. Although ICC issues warnings against racist behaviour by fans at global events, institutions and individuals continue to come under fire with steps against racism often seen as inadequate at a social level.

England newcomer Ollie Robinson’s suspension over historical offensive tweets after his Lord’s Test debut this summer — he has since returned against India — triggered a debate. Now, the Yorkshire Country Cricket Club is under fire after former England U-19 skipper Azeem Rafiq, who is of Pakistani origin, accused it of institutional racism.

Rafiq has criticised Yorkshire afresh for not publishing the full report into an inquiry it conducted into the issue and only apologising to the player for “inappropriate behaviour” it found, rather than admit to any racial conduct. The issue is likely to figure prominently as India’s third Test against England is played at Yorkshire’s ground— Headlingley—from Wednesday.

Racism has never been far from South Africa cricket since they were re-admitted in 1991-2 and it is in fresh focus. Former wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, a South Africa stalwart who took over as Proteas’ coach in December, 2019, is under focus over what is seen as a toxic dressing room culture his international playing career (1997-2012).

Cricket South Africa’s Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) hearings that started last month to deliberate on racial discrimination in the game has seen former spinner Paul Adams accuse Boucher and other teammates for their behaviour. Boucher has apologised.

Adams, who played 45 Tests between 1995 to 2004 submitted to SJN that he was subjected to racial discrimination by Boucher and other white teammates. “I was called brown s*** when I was playing. It often used to be a song when we won a game and we were in fines’ meetings. They would sing brown sh** in the ring tra la la la laa. When you are playing for your country, when you have had that victory, you don’t make sense of it, you brush it off, but it’s blatantly racist…”

Former batsman Ashwell Prince has said his teammates would use disparaging terms referring to people of Indian origin—he has an Indian wife.

Boucher, in his affidavit, said: “I’ve listened to the hurt some of my teammates felt, the feeling of exclusion and some totally unacceptable and inappropriate examples of alleged racism they endured. I apologise unreservedly for any offensive conduct, real or perceived, that has been attributed to me. We, the team, coaching staff, selectors and CSA, during the period in question, should have been more sensitive and created an environment where all members of the team could raise and talk about these issues without allowing them to fester, as they have.”

He has argued that there was no malice in his actions and said players gave each other nicknames based on their skin colour. “…I can categorically say that I did not give Mr Adams the name ‘brown sh**’. I don’t know who gave him the name.”

“While I was certainly naive, I do wish to state nothing I have ever said or done was motivated by malice and was certainly not motivated by racism.” Boucher said he would submit a supplementary affidavit to address specific allegations against him.

Boucher is the first big name in South African cricket to admit to a toxic culture in the dressing room. Former fast bowler Makhaya Ntini has spoken of preferring to jog from the hotel to stadium to avoid the team bus due to the behaviour of some of his teammates.

The SJN panel is expected to submit its report next month. South Africa are touring Sri Lanka and their limited overs skipper Temba Bavuma said Boucher addressed the issue. “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have an impact on the team. It’s known that members of the team have been named in the testimonies. Our coach Mark Boucher has addressed us, speaking of the accusations,” said Bavuma. “He provided clarity and context and it was more about keeping the guys in his confidence and comfort… it’s important we deal with it internally and ask whatever hard questions we need to ask of each other to make sure we can keep growing within the team.”