South Africa vs India: Imran Tahir faced racial abuse during the fourth ODI

South Africa won the Pink ODI famously by defeating India by five wickets at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg and kept the series alive. But the victory was marred by one incident in which the leg-spinner Imran Tahir was subjected to racial abuse by one of the spectators. However, the fan was soon evicted from the Stadium after he reported the incident to the security officials quickly.

This is not the first time Tahir has faced an issue as he was abused at Manuka Oval in Australia during 2015 World Cup as well. Also, in 2014, he experienced a similar incident at the same venue. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has taken the incident strictly and the matter is under investigation.

CSA confirms the news

Cricket South Africa confirmed the news in their latest press release in which they cleared that they will take the necessary actions to stop such incidents in the future. There is also a possibility now that the particular fan might face criminal prosecution according to the ICC Anti-racism code. “Cricket South Africa has noted and is aware of the circulation of video footage featuring Imran Tahir on social media and Whatsapp groups,” the statement from CSA read.

“Imran Tahir was verbally and racially abused by an unknown man during the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against India at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Saturday. Tahir reported the incident to the stadium security, and was subsequently accompanied by two security personnel to identify and to have the man ejected from the stadium. Tahir made no physical contact with the offender or any of the children in the vicinity. The incident is under investigation with the CSA and stadium security teams,” the statement further stated.

The board also informed that the spectators who engage in the racist conduct can face further sanctions according to the laws of the ICC. “In accordance with the ICC Anti-racism code, spectators who engage in racist conduct are to be ejected from the stadium and can face further sanctions and criminal prosecution,” the statement concluded.

Keep following CricTracker for more news and updates.