AUSSIE nice Shane Warne was caught in a race row whereas commentating Down Below as we speak.
The leg spin legend referred to batsman Cheteshwar Pujara as ‘Steve’ in the course of the first Check between Australia and India.
Shane Warne was caught in a race row whereas commentating on ThursdayCredit score: PA:Press Affiliation
India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara after his dismissal within the first Check towards AustraliaCredit score: EPA
The nickname was given to Pujara throughout his stint with Yorkshire in English County Cricket as a result of his title was laborious to pronounce.
Former Yorkshire participant Azeem Rafiq this week filed a authorized criticism towards the membership alleging racism and discrimination.
The Pakistan-born spinner’s claims had been backed by different ex-Yorkshire cricketers and employees.
In line with Sky Sports, ex-Yorkshire worker Taj Butt stated: “They referred to as each individual of color ‘Steve’.
“Even Cheteshwar Pujara, who joined as an abroad skilled, was referred to as Steve as a result of they may not pronounce his title.”
And viewers of Thursday’s first Check on the Adelaide Oval labelled Warne’s feedback as ‘unprofessional’ and ‘racist’.
One fan wrote on Twitter: “Referring to Pujara as ‘Steve’ is: a) unprofessional, b) disrespectful, c) racist. Be taught to say his title.”
Former Yorkshire participant Azeem Rafiq this week filed a authorized criticism towards the membership alleging racism and discriminationCredit score: Getty Pictures
Pujara was given the nickname ‘Steve’ whereas taking part in for YorkshireCredit score: AFP or licensors
One other tweet learn: “Hey Shane Warne, the story behind the ‘Steve’ nickname for Pujara. ‘They referred to as each individual of color “Steve”. Even [India batsman] Cheteshwar Pujara, who joined as an abroad skilled, was referred to as Steve as a result of they may not pronounce his title.’ That is as of Dec 2020.”
And one other social media publish stated: “Shane Warne mate you have to apologise to Pujara, laughing at Steve as a nickname is racist simply because you may’t say his title. Ffs do higher.”
Warne, 51, took 708 Check wickets in a stellar profession for Australia earlier than retiring in 2007.
He has since performed and coached within the Indian Premier League, main Rajasthan Royals to victory within the maiden match in 2008.
Warne has was a broadcaster and media persona as nicely, together with working for Sky Sports activities on protection of England residence internationals.
India closed day one of many first Check towards Australia 233-6 after profitable the toss and electing to bat.
It is the primary of 4 Check matches between the cricket powerhouses after Australia received the ODI collection and India obtained the higher of the T20s.