Cheergirls cry racial abuse, BCCI ready to probe
THE NEWS that two London-based cheergirls were subjected to racial abuse in one of the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches has come as a shock to both the league and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Two London-based cheerleaders have alleged on May 22 that they were racially abused a month ago.
A BCCI official said that the board would investigate into the matter only if a formal complaint was registered by them with the IPL.
BCCI joint secretary and IPL committee member, MP Pandove, said, “I am surprised why these cheergirls have taken over a month to speak out and that too in the media. As far as I know, no complaint has been lodged by them with the IPL.” He added that the IPL would probe the accusation if it was formally complained to the IPL commissioner by the alleged victims.
Actually, two London-based, dark-skinned cheerleaders were hired by the Kings XI Punjab team through Wizcraft International Entertainment (event management company). This week, the duo alleged that they were asked to stay back from performing before an IPL match, played on April 19 in Mohali, just because they were not white. This breaking news has created much flutter among cricket officials, fans as well as human rights activists.
Neil Maxwell, chief executive officer of Kings XI Punjab, has however, refused any such allegations that they were barred from entering into the public arena on the basis of their colour and called the allegations as fabricated.
Source: http://www.merinews.com
