RACISM AND SPORTS- A CASE OF CRICKET

SUBMITTED BY:

NIKHIL KUMAR, ROLL NO- 2543

4TH SEMESTER, B.A. LL.B.(Hons.)

SUBMITTED TO:

DR AMIT JAIN

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY

This Final Draft is submitted in fulfilment of the project in Sociology of

Development.

MARCH 2023

CHANAKYA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY, PATNA

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Table of Contents
DECLARATION.......................................................................................................................................2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT........................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................4
OBJECTIVE OF THE RESEARCH.......................................................................................................5
HYPOTHESES..........................................................................................................................................5
RESEARCH QUESTIONS.......................................................................................................................5
LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH...................................................................................................5
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................................5
SOURCES..................................................................................................................................................5
MODE OF CITATION.............................................................................................................................5
RACISM AND SPORTS...........................................................................................................................6
RACISM AND CRICKET IN INDIA......................................................................................................6
SUBVERTING RACISM THROUGH CRICKET IN INDIA...............................................................8
CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................................................9
BIBLIOGRAPHY...................................................................................................................................11

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DECLARATION

I, hereby, declare that the work reported in the B.A. L.L.B (Hons.) The Project Report titled
“Racism and Sports- A case of cricket” submitted at CHANAKYA NATIONAL LAW
UNIVERSITY, PATNA is an authentic record of my work carried out under the supervision of
Dr Amit Jain. I have not submitted this work elsewhere for any other degree or diploma. I am
fully responsible for the contents of my project report.

Signature of the Candidate

Nikhil Kumar, 2543

B.A. L.L.B., 2nd year

CNLU, Patna

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to show my gratitude towards my guide Dr Amit Jain, under whose guidance, I
structured my project.

I owe the present accomplishment of my project to everyone, who helped me immensely, with
materials throughout the project and without whom I couldn’t have completed it in a present
way.

I would like to extend my gratitude to my friends and all those unseen hands that helped me out
at every stage of my project.

THANK YOU,

Nikhil Kumar, 2543

B.A. LL.B. ( Hons.)

SEMESTER: 4th

CNLU, Patna

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INTRODUCTION
Racism has unfortunately been a longstanding issue in sports, with athletes from marginalized
racial and ethnic groups often experiencing discrimination and unfair treatment both on and off
the field.

There have been numerous instances of racism in sports, ranging from racist chants and slurs
from fans to discriminatory behaviour and practices by team owners, coaches, and other officials.
For example, some athletes have been subjected to racial taunts and slurs from opposing players
or fans, while others have been excluded from teams or given less playing time due to their race.

Cricket is a hugely popular sport in India and is often referred to as the country's national
obsession. The sport has a long and rich history in India, with cricket introduced during the
British colonial period and becoming more popular.

While racism is a global issue, it has also been observed in the context of cricket in India. Indian
cricketers, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, have reported experiencing racial
discrimination both within and outside the sport.

One of the most prominent examples of racism in Indian cricket was the 2007 monkey gate
scandal, which involved a verbal altercation between Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and
Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds during a Test match. Harbhajan was accused of making
a racist remark towards Symonds, and the incident sparked a heated debate on racial
discrimination in the sport.

In recent years, there have been other incidents of racism in Indian cricket, including allegations
of racist comments made by fans towards black South African players during a 2018 match in
Johannesburg. These incidents highlight the need for continued efforts to combat racism and
promote diversity and inclusion in the sport of cricket in India and worldwide.

Cricket is a sport that has its roots in colonialism, having been introduced to India and other parts
of the world by British colonizers. As a result, there are some who argue that promoting and
playing cricket is a way of perpetuating a legacy of colonialism and giving back to the former
colonizers. The colonizers treated the locals very badly and even in the case of cricket the

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colonizers oppressed the local people on the ground on the colour of their skin. Cricket provided
the colonized people with a way to be better than their colonizers at their own game. What
happens when racially inferior talk back, not by the street protest but by learning the game and
giving it back to the colonizers? This paper would try to find the answer to this question.

OBJECTIVE OF THE RESEARCH

To unpack the linkages between racism and cricket in Indian cricket.

HYPOTHESES
1. The historical legacy of colonialism and the sport's origins as a British import has created
power dynamics that may contribute to systemic discrimination and prejudice.
2. Despite the sport's popularity and widespread appeal, there are still instances of racism
and discrimination within the sport. This can be attributed to the fact that cricket, like any
other social institution, reflects the wider societal issues and biases present in Indian
culture.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. How racism appeared in Indian cricket?
2. How the colonized responded back to the colonizers’ notion of racism through cricket.

LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH

Due to the limited time, the researcher has focused on Indian cricket and engagement with
racism through cricket.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The researcher has adopted a doctrinal method of research to complete this project.

SOURCES
The researcher has adopted secondary sources to complete this project.

MODE OF CITATION
The citation made in this research are according to Bluebook 20th edition

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RACISM AND SPORTS
Racism has been a persistent issue in sports, affecting athletes from marginalized racial and
ethnic groups. In many cases, athletes have been subjected to discriminatory behaviour and
practices by team owners, coaches, and other officials, as well as racist taunts and slurs from
opposing players or fans1.

One of the most prominent examples of racism in sports was the case of Jackie Robinson, the
first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Robinson faced intense discrimination
and was subject to racial taunts and slurs from opposing players and fans during his career2.

Similar incidents of racism have been observed in other sports as well, including football,
basketball, and cricket. In cricket, racism has been reported by players from countries such as
India, South Africa, and Australia, highlighting the global nature of the issue3.

Efforts have been made to combat racism in sports, including through initiatives aimed at
promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport. For example, the Black Lives Matter movement
has spurred many sports organizations to take a more active stance against racism and
discrimination, including in cricket4.

While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in terms of eradicating racism from
sports. It is important for individuals and organizations involved in sports to continue to work
towards creating a more inclusive and equitable playing field for all athletes5.

RACISM AND CRICKET IN INDIA

Racism and discrimination have been reported in cricket in India, with players from marginalized
communities experiencing bias and prejudice. These incidents have highlighted the ongoing
issue of discrimination in sports, and the need for increased efforts to promote diversity and
inclusion.

1
The Guardian, "Why racism is such a problem in football and other sports," September 2021.
2
History.com, "Jackie Robinson," April 2021.
3
The Indian Express, "Cricket and racism: The long-standing issue that remains unresolved," June 2020.
4
BBC Sport, "How cricket is confronting its own racism problem," February 2021.
5
Forbes, "Combatting Racism In Sports: The Current State Of Play," August 2021.

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In recent years, there have been several incidents of racism in Indian cricket, including reports of
players being subjected to racist taunts and slurs on the field 6. Additionally, there have been
concerns raised about the lack of representation of certain communities in cricket, including
Dalits, who are often excluded from opportunities to participate in the sport7.

Efforts have been made to address these issues, with initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and
inclusion in cricket. The Indian Premier League (IPL), for example, has implemented measures
to increase the participation of underrepresented communities in the league, such as through
quotas for local players8.

However, there is still a long way to go in terms of eradicating racism and discrimination from
Indian cricket. It is important for stakeholders in the sport to continue to work towards creating a
more inclusive and equitable playing field for all athletes.

Racism in cricket and its relation with colonialism

Cricket in India has a complex history, shaped by the legacy of colonialism and the sport's
origins as a British import. The sport's history in India is also intertwined with issues of racism
and discrimination, particularly in the context of the country's colonial past.

During the colonial era, cricket was used as a tool of cultural imperialism, with British colonial
officials using the sport to propagate their cultural values and maintain their dominance over
Indian society9. This legacy has contributed to power dynamics within Indian cricket that may
contribute to systemic discrimination and prejudice, such as favouritism towards players from
privileged backgrounds.

Additionally, there have been incidents of racism and discrimination within Indian cricket that
have been linked to the sport's colonial history. For example, there have been reports of Indian
players being subject to racial taunts and slurs from players and fans from other countries,
including those with a colonial legacy in India10.

6
The Indian Express, "Cricket and racism: The long-standing issue that remains unresolved," June 2020.
7
The Wire, "Why Dalit Cricketers Are Struggling to Make It to the Big Leagues," November 2021.
8
Times of India, "IPL 2021: What are the uncapped players quota and other rules?" April 2021.
9
The Guardian, "Cricket, imperialism and identity: the sport's colonial legacy in India," November 2020.
10
The Indian Express, "Cricket and racism: The long-standing issue that remains unresolved," June 2020

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Efforts have been made to address these issues, including through initiatives aimed at promoting
diversity and inclusion in Indian cricket. However, it is clear that the sport's colonial past
continues to shape the way in which it is played and perceived in India, and that addressing
issues of racism

and discrimination will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the sport's historical
legacy.

SUBVERTING RACISM THROUGH CRICKET IN INDIA

Cricket has the potential to be a powerful tool for promoting diversity and inclusion in India, and
there have been several initiatives aimed at subverting racism and discrimination through the
sport.

One such initiative is the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has implemented measures to
promote diversity and inclusion in the sport. For example, the league has quotas for local players,
aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented communities in the league 11.
Additionally, several IPL teams have worked to promote diversity and inclusion through their
team selection and recruitment practices.

Another example is the Haryana Cricket Association, which has launched a program aimed at
increasing the participation of women and girls in cricket. The program, which includes coaching
and training opportunities, aims to break down barriers that prevent women from participating in
the sport12.

Other efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in cricket in India include the establishment of
cricket academies in underrepresented communities, and the use of cricket as a tool for
community development and social cohesion13.

While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to subvert racism and
discrimination in cricket in India. It is important for stakeholders in the sport to continue to
prioritize diversity and inclusion, and to work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive
playing field for all athletes.

11
Times of India, "IPL 2021: What are the uncapped player’s quota and other rules?" April 2021.
12
The Indian Express, "Haryana Cricket Association launches program to increase participation of women and girls
in sport," November 2021.
13
ESPN Cricinfo, "The role of cricket in social change," June 2020.

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Cricket subverting legacy of colonialism

India's success in cricket has been a source of pride for many in the country, and the team's
achievements have helped to subvert the legacy of colonialism and racism in the sport.

Historically, cricket was seen as a sport dominated by colonial powers, with the British in
particular being seen as the most successful cricketing nation. However, India's rise to
prominence in the sport has challenged this notion, with the Indian team now one of the most
successful in the world14.

India's success in cricket has been driven by a range of factors, including the country's large and
passionate fan base, as well as investments in grassroots development and infrastructure.
Additionally, the team's success has been attributed to the country's unique approach to the sport,
with Indian players known for their innovative and creative style of play15.

India's success in cricket has also had wider implications beyond the sport itself. It has helped to
promote a sense of national pride and unity and has contributed to the country's growing soft
power on the global stage16.

While India's success in cricket is not a panacea for the issues of racism and discrimination that
persist in the sport, it has helped to challenge the legacy of colonialism and promote a more
diverse and inclusive future for cricket in the country.

CONCLUSION
Racism has been a persistent problem in sports across the world, with incidents of discrimination
and prejudice being reported across a range of sports and at all levels of competition. As far as
cricket is concerned the players from marginalized sections of society have continuously suffered
racism from players, opponents and the crowd.

The history of cricket in India is shaped by the legacy of colonialism as it was brought to India
by the British. Colonizers used cricket as a tool for cultural imperialism and propagating their
culture to make sure that their domination of India continues.

14
BBC News, "India's cricketing success: A tale of investment, talent and innovation," June 2017.
15
The Indian Express, "Why India is the 'home of cricket'," November 2021.
16
The Diplomat, "Cricket and India's Soft Power," February 2020.

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Many Indians take pleasure in their nation's cricket team's accomplishments, which have also
assisted in eradicating the sport's colonial and racist traditions.

Cricket was once seen to be a game dominated by colonial powers, with the British in particular
being regarded as the sport's most successful nation. India's ascent to prominence in the sport,
however, has put this idea to the test, with the Indian squad currently ranking among the most
successful in the world. Cricket has been used as a way to subvert the legacy of colonialism and
to subvert racism in general.

Racism has unfortunately appeared in Indian cricket in a number of ways. One of the most
notable instances was the infamous Monkey gate controversy during the 2007-2008 Border-
Gavaskar Trophy Test series between India and Australia. During the second Test match in
Sydney, Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was accused by Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds
of racially abusing him by calling him a "monkey. The incident sparked a heated debate, with
India threatening to pull out of the series in protest. Harbhajan was initially banned for three
matches, but the ban was later lifted on appeal. The incident left a stain on the series and
highlighted the problem of racism in cricket.

More recently, there have been reports of racial discrimination against Indian cricketers
themselves. In 2021, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj reported being subjected to racial abuse
during a test match against Australia in Sydney. Siraj and his fellow Indian players reported the
abuse to the umpires, and the offenders were subsequently ejected from the stadium. The
incident led to widespread condemnation and highlighted the need for continued efforts to stamp
out racism in cricket.

Beyond just the sport of cricket, India's success has wider ramifications. It has contributed to the
country's developing soft power on the international scene and served to foster a sense of pride
and solidarity in the nation.

India's cricket success has helped to confront the effects of colonialism and advance a more
inclusive and diversified future for the sport in the nation, even while it is not a cure-all for the
racism and discrimination problems that still exist in the game.

Racism, development, justice, and sports are interconnected issues that have significant
implications for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Sports can play a crucial role

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in promoting development and justice by providing opportunities for individuals and
communities to come together, promote physical and mental well-being, and foster social
cohesion. However, the benefits of sports are often not distributed equally, with marginalized
groups often being excluded or facing discrimination and prejudice. This can perpetuate social
and economic inequalities and limit opportunities for development and justice17.

In order to promote development and justice through sports, it is essential to address the root
causes of racism and discrimination, including social and economic inequalities, prejudice and
bias, and lack of access to resources and opportunities. This requires targeted efforts to promote
diversity and inclusion in sports, as well as investment in grassroots development, infrastructure,
and training programs. It also requires a commitment to holding individuals and institutions
accountable for discriminatory behaviour and promoting justice and equality for all18.

Ultimately, sports can be a powerful tool for promoting development and justice, but it requires a
concerted effort to address the underlying causes of discrimination and prejudice and to create a
more inclusive and equitable sporting culture19.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Times of India, "IPL 2021: What are the uncapped player’s quota and other rules?" April
2021.
2. The Indian Express, "Haryana Cricket Association launches program to increase
participation of women and girls in sport," November 2021.
3. ESPN Cricinfo, "The role of cricket in social change," June 2020.
4. BBC News, "India's cricketing success: A tale of investment, talent and innovation," June
2017.
5. The Indian Express, "Why India is the 'home of cricket'," November 2021.
6. The Diplomat, "Cricket and India's Soft Power," February 2020.
7. The Wire, "Why Dalit Cricketers Are Struggling to Make It to the Big Leagues,"
November 2021.
8. Times of India, "IPL 2021: What are the uncapped players quota and other rules?" April
2021.
17
United Nations Development Programme, "Sport for Development and Peace," 2021.
18
International Olympic Committee, "The Olympic Games and Promoting Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion," 2021.
19
Human Rights Watch, "Sporting Events and Human Rights," 2020

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9. Cricket and Politics in Colonial India, Ramachandra Guha
10. The Guardian, "Cricket, imperialism and identity: the sport's colonial legacy in India,"
November 2020.

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