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Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Siraj again faces crowd trouble at SCG, BCCI likely to lodge complaint

India and Australia are engaged in an intense battle, in the third Test in Sydney, for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Test is already in the wrong books, as a couple of Indian players have alleged that they have been at the receiving end of racial abuse, at the SCG.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Siraj again faces crowd trouble at SCG, BCCI likely to lodge complaint-ayh
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Sydney NSW, First Published Jan 10, 2021, 10:34 AM IST

While the third Test between India and Australia, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), is turning out to be an intense one, it seems like the crowd at the venue is getting too far to get under the skin of the Indians. Following an alleged incident on Saturday, Sunday saw another fresh episode of racial abuse towards the visitors.

On Saturday, following the end of Day 3's play, Indian pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj had alleged to the umpires that a section of the crowd at the Randwick End of the venue, had racially abused them. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not lodge a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) until then, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that it would investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, on Day 4 (Sunday), the play was briefly halted after Siraj once again alleged to the on-field umpires that a section of the same end issued fresh racial slur during the post-lunch session. The umpires then got in touch with the stadium officials, as the cops joined in as well, to identify the potential suspect, while they removed six men from the area.

ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj allege racial abuse at SCG

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Siraj again faces crowd trouble at SCG, BCCI likely to lodge complaint-ayh

It is likely to prompt BCCI to lodge an official complaint with the ICC, now. The ICC has become strict when it comes to its anti-discrimination policy, updated in August 2019. Meanwhile, Head of Integrity and Security of CA, Sean Carroll, has said that the culprit would have no place in Australian cricket.

"Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour. If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket. CA is awaiting the outcome of the International Cricket Council's investigation into the matter reported at the SCG on Saturday," said Carroll, reports ESPNCricinfo.

"Once those responsible are identified, CA will take the strongest measures possible under our Anti-Harassment Code, including lengthy bans, further sanctions and referral to NSW Police. As series hosts, we unreservedly apologise to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent," he added.

Meanwhile, New South Wales' venues CEO, Kerrie Mather, affirmed that the CCTV footage is being viewed to assess the situation and identify the offender. "At the SCG, we pride ourselves on welcoming anyone and everyone in a safe and inclusive environment. We are taking this extremely seriously. If those involved are identified, they will be banned from the SCG and all Venues NSW properties under our Act," she insisted.

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