Racism in Cricket: From Jasprit Bumrah to Harbhajan Singh – A Dark History of Abuse in the Gentlemen's Game

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Cricket, a sport built on values of unity, respect, and sportsmanship, has sadly been marred by the stain of racism on several occasions. One can’t help but reflect on the age-old saying, 'the game’s the thing’, yet it seems, for some, the game is only a stage for vile remarks and cruel taunts.

The recent unfortunate incident involving Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has sparked conversations about how far we still have to go in eradicating racism. It’s a reminder of how easy it is for prejudice to creep into the sanctity of sports, poisoning the beautiful camaraderie that should define them.

Here’s a look at a few shameful incidents in cricket’s history where racism showed its ugly face.

1. Jasprit Bumrah’s 'Primate' Incident Ft Isa Guha

It all went down during the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, where former England cricketer and commentator Isa Guha made a remark that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. While commenting on Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive performance, Isa referred to him as the “Most Valuable Primate.”

A phrase meant to be lighthearted? Possibly. But the backlash was immediate. The term "primate" stirred up memories of the 2008 "Monkeygate" scandal, when Harbhajan Singh had been accused of calling Andrew Symonds a "monkey."

Isa quickly apologized, clarifying that her words were not meant to offend and acknowledging that the phrasing could easily be seen as inappropriate. She emphasized her admiration for Jasprit Bumrah but was careful to express regret over her unintentional slip-up.

2. Mohammed Siraj's 'Black Monkey’ Incident

In 2021, during India’s tour of Australia, another incident of racism surfaced in the Sydney Test. Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was subjected to racial abuse by a group of spectators who called him a “black monkey.”

Initially, he ignored the taunts, attributing them to inebriated fans. But when the abuse continued, he decided to act. Siraj approached the umpires and brought the matter to the attention of his teammate, Ajinkya Rahane, who immediately addressed the issue with the officials.

What followed was a strong stance by Ajinkya, who refused to leave the ground until the abusive fans were removed. His leadership and respect for the game were exemplary. Siraj later spoke about the emotional toll the incident had taken on him, but he also described how the team stood united, focusing on their cricket and leaving the drama behind.

3. Darren Sammy and the "Kalu" Incident

Former West Indies captain Darren Sammy brought to light a painful memory from his IPL days with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sammy disclosed that a teammate had called him 'Kalu’ during the 2013 season, a term he later understood was a racial slur (via India Today). For years, Sammy didn’t confront the issue, but in the wake of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, he reflected on it and decided to speak out.

He wasn’t looking for an apology, but instead, he wanted to educate people on how words can wound deeply. His message was clear: racism, whether intentional or born out of ignorance, cannot be overlooked. Sammy’s bravery in discussing this moment was part of a larger conversation on race, respect, and the necessity of allyship.

4. Sarfaraz Ahmed’s 'Kaale’ Slur

Racism in cricket is not confined to the boundaries of one country. Pakistan’s former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was caught on camera in 2019 making a derogatory comment towards South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo during an ODI. Ahmed called him “kaale” (a racial slur meaning "black guy") while commenting on Phehlukwayo’s half-century. The incident, caught by the stump mic, sparked outrage.

While Ahmed later apologized, the damage had been done. The episode once again underlined the need for greater awareness and accountability, especially when high-profile individuals, such as team captains, are involved.

5. The Infamous 'Monkeygate’ Scandal

Of all the racially charged incidents in cricket, the 2008 "Monkeygate" scandal between India and Australia remains one of the most infamous. The controversy began when Harbhajan Singh was accused of calling Andrew Symonds a "monkey" during a heated exchange in the Sydney Test.

The ensuing battle between players, match officials, and the ICC became a global spectacle. Eventually, Harbhajan's three-match ban was overturned, but the incident fueled an already intense rivalry between the two teams and created a dark chapter in cricket's history.

Well, it’s crucial to hold ourselves accountable, to educate rather than criticize, and to stand united against any form of racial abuse. The true beauty of cricket lies not just in its athleticism, but in its ability to foster inclusivity and respect. Let’s make sure it stays that way.