When Pakistan Board Secretary Shafaqat

SYDNEY, JANUARY 4: When Pakistan Board Secretary Shafaqat Rana told the Australian Broadcast Authority that he felt the ban on Shoaib Akht...

SYDNEY, JANUARY 4: When Pakistan Board Secretary Shafaqat Rana told the Australian Broadcast Authority that he felt the ban on Shoaib Akhtar was “racially motivated”, he brought into open words which have been whispered in press boxes and among cricketers and officials.

This summer in Australia, shared by two Asian countries, has been disruptive as both visitors have complained about umpiring and match-refereeing, capped by the ban on Akhtar.

After Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan went through the nightmare of being no-balled for throwing, it is Akhtar’s turn to feel aggrieved.

Story continues below this ad

The Indians have been frustrated by the biased approach of Sri Lankan match referee Ranjan Madugalle who is content with handing out harsh treatment to the visitors and treating Aussie tantrums with kid gloves.

The Australian media acknowledged the growing concern with cricket columnist Mike Coward of The Australian saying, “Let us stop beating around the bush. The cricket communities of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka feel there is an anti-Asian sentiment in Australian cricket. There is a perception of prejudice.” He said the perception of racism is “real.”

“The reason for it is a belief Australian umpires are aggressive interventionists … the new millennium has begun with a real crisis confronting the game.

“Australian cricket has a problem and must confront it. As the most influential force in the world game, it has an obligation to examine the wider picture.”

Story continues below this ad

He criticised ICC for not deciding on Akhtar’s fate till he had left for Australia with the team to take part in the one-day series and recalled that Sri Lanka had refused to accept a code of conduct ruling against then skipper Arjuna Ranatunga.

It came after Ranatunga almost led a walk-out of his team after Australian umpire Roy Emerson no-balled Muralitharan for throwing despite the World body giving him a clean chit.

Pakistan captain Wasim Akram made a provocative statement when he said he expected trouble simply because his team had reached Australia.

There have been many a mention of `cultural elitism’ in editorial references to matches and issues involving Australia and sub-continental sides over the past four years. This is often a euphemism for racism.

Story continues below this ad

Cricketer-turned-columnist Peter Roebuck, in the Sydney Morning Herald too talks about racism.

“Some seem intent upon creating the sort of divisions recently abolished in South Africa. (Shafaqat) Rana has said, it’s only against the Asian cricketers. Why not against others? Why not against Brett Lee when he bowled the faster ones? Why not Ian MecKiff, why not Darren Gough?”

“The game is suffering whether the reasons for such interpretation are real or imagined. And a part of the game is hurting as it perceives prejudice and injustice.

“Australian cricket must ask some hard questions. And answer them honestly,” Coward added.