'If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcomed': Cricket Australia issues apology after Bumrah-Siraj issue

Cricket Australia (CA) have come ahead and issued an apology to the India team after the visitors alleged they had been racially abused by part of the crowd at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the third Test.

Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj over the second and third day of the ongoing Pink Test between India and Australia were racially abused.

Even on the fourth day, Siraj, who was at the ropes was seen walking in towards captain Ajinkya Rahane and complaining The umpires had a word and Siraj who was seen pointing out from where the words were said saw police get involved. Soon police asked a group of men to leave the stand. Even a couple were asked to move. 

Amid all this, CA in a statement condemned all "discriminatory behaviour" and said they would act against anyone found being guilty.

"As series hosts, we unreservedly apologise to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent," Head of Integrity and Security Sean Carroll said.

Cricket Australia has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behaviour in all forms following the alleged racial abuse of members of the Indian cricket squad by a section of the crowd at the SCG yesterday. Full statement pic.twitter.com/34RYcfKj8q

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 10, 2021

"Once those responsible are identified, CA will take the strongest measures possible under our anti-harassment code, including lengthy bans, further sanctions and referral to (the) police."

According to the statement, Venues New South Wales, which operates the stadium, will check CCTV footage to assist the investigation and if any fans were identified in engaging in racial abuse would be banned from the SCG and other major stadiums in Sydney.

According to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) anti-discrimination policy, it falls to CA to investigate the incident and submit a report to the global governing body within two weeks.