Former Australian skipper Shane Warne triggered plenty of cricketing fans as he was accused of using a racist slur against India’s Cheteshwar Pujara. 51-year-old Shane Warne was caught referring to Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara as ‘Steve’ while commentating for Fox Cricket during the first session of the opening day’s play. Shane Warne was severely thrashed online for ‘casual racism’ during Day 1 of India vs Australia’s first Test at Adelaide.
IND vs AUS: Shane Warne Accused of Using Racial Slurs
Warne, while talking about India’s No.3 batsman, said “Cheteshwar Pujara’s name was not the easiest to pronounce and so his English teammates referred to him as ‘Steve’.” Warne’s ignorant behavior fumed many “Men in Blue” fans as they took Twitter to point out the racist act from the veteran Australian bowler. Cheteshwar Pujara was handed the controversial name ‘Steve’ during his county cricket days with Yorkshire.
Shane Warne also took a jab at Chetestwar Pujara after the right-handed batsman halted the play to adjust the sightscreen. “Look how wide the sightscreen is. Come on, that (cover) can’t be putting him off. Are you for real? That can’t be it! That’s not serious.” commented Warne.
IND vs AUS: Fans Slam Shane Warne for his ‘Racist’ behavior
Will Shane Warne apologize for calling Pujara ‘Steve’? Or he still hasn’t got it? Disgusting.
— Yash Mittal 🇮🇳 (@im_yash2307) December 17, 2020
Shane Warne “Master of Contevercey” aging in news. He was on air and referred to the nickname given to Pujara during his county cricket stint.#AUSAvIND
— N______Pandey (@nitesh___007) December 17, 2020
Shane Warne trying to persuade Howie and AB that “Steve” is a hilarious nickname for Pujara, and definitely not a key point in the systemic racism present at Yorkshire county is peak One Nation voter territory. #6amCricket #AUSvsIND
— Maxwell Charlesworth (@MaxiCricket) December 17, 2020
Oh ye gods, Warne is cluelessly making jokes about Pujara being called “Steve” at Yorkshire, and how that is “easier to pronounce” than “Cheteshwar”.
Hey Warney, you might want to read up on that whole racism scandal at Yorkshire!#AUSvIND
— Lea, Leopard that doesn’t want to change her spots (@LinuxLea) December 17, 2020
Racism Scandal At Yorkshire
On December 5, Taj Butt, a former Yorkshire Cricket Foundation employee revealed that India’s Cheteshwar Pujara was called ‘Steve’ during his time with the county club. “They called every person of color ‘Steve’. Even [India batsman] Cheteshwar Pujara, who joined as an overseas professional, was called a Steve because they could not pronounce his name.” Butt said while talking with ESPNCricinfo.
Another such incident was disclosed when former Pakistan-born English cricketer Azeem Rafiq spoke up about the racist incident he faced during his stint at Yorkshire. The 29-year-old claimed that he was on the brink of committing suicide after he was repeatedly targeted at the county club because of his race. All the said allegations are currently being investigated.
