Players more receptive of different cultures because of franchise cricket, feel Moody and Guha

CHENNAI: Darren Sammy might have faced racist remarks while playing for the Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad but former players feel that it is franchise cricket which can play a big part in obliterating the menace of racism from the sport.


"What we have seen historically is that players are very hesitant to embrace (the cultures of) different countries that they go to. But then, things have changed in recent years because of franchise cricket in various countries. Players are now more welcoming, receptive and willing to adapt. However, we still have a long way to go," former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody said on Sunday.

Moody was speaking on the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s online series 'Interviews Inside Out'. The show was moderated by former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop and featured two-time T20 World Cup winning captain of the West Indies team Darren Sammy, former women's World Cup and T20 World Cup winner from England Isa Guha, former South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy and former Pakistan player Bazid Khan.

Guha too echoed Moody's views. "In franchise cricket, people come from different backgrounds, races and religions. That's why we have a fantastic opportunity because cricket is a sport which really unites everyone," Guha said.

"I am a big believer in humanity and I don't judge people. Unfortunately, that is not the case with a lot of people. They look at people and see colour, white privilege and colonialism. So the best thing is to educate people on racism. But then people should be willing to learn and be inquisitive. They need to understand what they think is not right and might be hurtful to others," she added.