RACISM IN CRICKET

West Indies Captain Jason Holder says players found guilty of racism should face the same penalties as match-fixers and dopers.

While International Cricket Council (ICC) rules allow for a life ban for on-pitch racist abuse, culprits are rarely punished to that extent.

Holder said he doesn’t think the penalty for doping or corruption should be any different for racism.

He told BBC sport, “if we’ve got issues within our sport we must deal with them equally.”

Under the ICC’s anti-racism policy, a first offence is usually punished with between four and eight suspension points. Two suspension points equate to a ban for one Test or two One-Day-Internationals or two Twenty20 international matches.

Holder cited the experience of England’s Jofra Archer, who has been a target of racial remarks from crowds both in home and away Tests and team-mate, Mooen Ali, who is believed was targeted by Indian fans in a 2014 match because of his Pakistan background.

Holder, whose team will take on England in a behind close-closed-doors three-Test series starting on July 8 in Southampton, said that he believed that each international meeting could be preceded by reminders to both teams of their responsibilities around race.

He said, “my message is more education needs to go around it. I’ve not experienced any racial abuse first hand, but have heard or seen a few things around it. It’s something you can’t stand for.”

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