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Cricket Australia attempts to nip racism in the bud

Cricket Australia (CA) will mount a television advertising campaign, and may place anti-racism messages on the bottom of beer cups, in an effort to avoid racist crowd behavior during tours by India and Sri Lanka this season.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said yesterday he was confident there would be no crowd behavior issues during the Australian summer, despite recent tension between Australian and Indian players and the presence in the Sri Lankan team of Muttiah Muralitharan, who has previously been taunted by Australian crowds.

"We don't need to go any further than we went last year in terms of educating the public about coming to the cricket and enjoying themselves," Sutherland said.

"I'm not concerned about [racist abuse]," he added. "We had a major campaign last year to increase awareness and understanding. People know where the line is drawn."

"There is no place for racism in cricket. We will take the strictest, harshest action possible if there are incidents," Sunderland said.

Muralitharan will arrive in Australia for next month's Test series chasing the nine Test wickets he needs to overtake the world-record wicket haul of retired Australian legspinner Shane Warne.

Sutherland welcomed the Muralitharan's decision to take part in Test and one-day series in Australia, after his previously cool reception from local crowds.

"Murali is clearly able to make his own decisions," he said. "He has been to Australia before. The mere fact that he is coming is fantastic for cricket and we are very much looking forward to seeing him on our shores and doing his best."

Australia opening batsman Matthew Hayden also welcomed Muralitharan's decision to tour.

"I think it is great he is happy and feels he has matured as a cricketer to come out here but he understands that he is not coming out for a holiday. It's serious cricket," Hayden said.

"But by the same token our administration has made it very clear that there is no racial vilification of any kind that's acceptable amongst our multicultural society in our venues," he said.

Concerns have recently been expressed that India will be taunted by crowds.
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