A six-year-old Instagram post of Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma is recirculating on social media platforms following former West Indies captain Darren Sammy’s allegations of potential racial slur, during his stint with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
A group picture, which includes Sammy and Ishant, was posted on the Indian pacer’s Instagram handle on May 14, 2014, and the West Indies all-rounder wants an explanation for a term used in the caption for him.
The picture also features Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and South Africa’s pace ace Dale Steyn. Sammy was then the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The picture was apparently clicked on the team bus after one of Sunrisers’ training sessions. Neither Ishant nor Sammy was available immediately for comment.
“Recently I discovered a word that I was being called was not what it actually meant I need some answers. So before I start calling out names I need these individuals to reach out and please tell me there’s another meaning to that word. I saw u as brothers,” Sammy posted on Twitter with a link to his Instagram, showcasing him speaking on the subject.
Sammy, who is now an honorary citizen of Pakistan, had earlier stated that even Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera was referred to with the same word during the IPL.
While are questioning why Sammy was silent all these years, the cricketer words indicate he was not aware that the term was insulting. He states his anger swelled after he listened to Indian-origin American comedian Hasan Minhaj explain how "some in his culture" describe black people.
“I want to address something quickly. Look, I have played all over the world and beloved by many people. And I have embraced all the dressing rooms I have played in. But I want to quickly say this, I was listening to Hasan Minhaj, talking about how some in his culture, you described black people. Now that doesn't apply to everybody. But, I say this because of something I experienced. So, I said, I was angry after listening to him — describing the word that they used to describe black people which he was saying is not in a good way. You know, and it was degrading. So, instantly I remember when I played for SunRisers Hyderabad in 2013 and 2014. I was called that exact same word that he described... that was degrading, to us black people," Sammy said.
African-American George Floyd's killing by white police officers in Minneapolis has sparked worldwide rage against racism.
At the time of this copy being published, the Sunrisers franchise was yet to weigh in on the matter. Most of Sammy’s Sunrisers teammates then, too, remained silent, stating that they were not aware of any such incidents.
In fact, one of the players, who has played international cricket for years, revealed that Sammy and Ishant were “good friends” on and off the field.
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