The India and England series which started in 2021 is finally over with the English team chasing down a monumental total of 378 on the final day. It was a fun filled test match as England yet again dominated the proceedings with the bat while chasing in the 4th innings. This was their 4th successful chase in the final innings of a test match after beating New Zealand thrice. While the action on the field of play was amazing, there are some disturbing news coming as pertaining to crowd behavior.
Indian fans allege shocking racial abuse –
England cricket over the last year and a half has been battling the storm of racism in cricket. This entire episode started when Yorkshire’s Azeem Rafiq alleged that he was racially profiled and abused. This shook up the establishment as there were some behind the scenes changes at the club. One Indian fan took to social media and post the shocking nature of racial abuse faced by the Indian fans in the stand.
Indian takes to social media to post the horrors of Edgbaston as stewards turn blind eye
Indian fan named Anil Sehmi who goes by the name Trust the Process took to twitter and posted “Racist behavior at @Edgbaston towards Indian fans in block 22 Eric Hollies. People calling us Curry C**ts and paki bas****s. We reported it to the stewards and showed them the culprits at least 10 times but no response and all we were told is to sit in our seats. @ECB_cricket”. This is certainly shocking from a place like Birmingham where there is multi culturalism practiced. The ECB were quick to respond to the fan with a mere apology and promised an investigation. The ECB replied and said “We’re very sorry to hear what you’ve experienced and are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston who will investigate.”
Racist behaviour at @Edgbaston towards Indian fans in block 22 Eric Hollies. People calling us Curry C**ts and paki bas****s. We reported it to the stewards and showed them the culprits at least 10 times but no response and all we were told is to sit in our seats. @ECB_cricket pic.twitter.com/GJPFqbjIbz
— Trust The Process!!!! (@AnilSehmi) July 4, 2022
Edgbaston chief exec issues a statement –
India and its fans and its players are the biggest source of gate, whenever they outside India. The passionate Indian fans fill up the grounds during the tours or ICC tournaments to fill up the coffers for the ICC. Responding to this damning claims, the chief executive of Edgbaston cricket ground, Stuart Cain said “I’m gutted by these reports as we’re working hard to make Edgbaston a safe, welcoming environment for all. Having seen the initial tweets, I’ve spoken personally to the gentleman who raised them. We’re now speaking to the stewards in this area to establish what happened. Nobody should be subject to any form of abuse at Edgbaston. So, once we’ve got all the facts, we will make sure this issue is addressed swiftly”