Published 10:12 IST, December 18th 2020
Shane Warne slammed for making fun of Cheteshwar Pujara's 'Steve' nickname at Yorkshire
Legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne was slammed for calling Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara 'Steve' stating that his name is difficult to pronounce.
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Legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne was slammed by netizens for calling Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' stating that his name is difficult to pronounce. The Australian veteran was commentating during on Day 1 of the ongoing India vs Australia 1st Test when he casually referred to Pujara as 'Steve'. The nickname 'Steve' was given to Pujara during his county cricket stint with Yorkshire.
Shane Warne accused by Twitterati of casual racism
Warne referring the Indian batsman by the name 'Steve' and not his actual name hasn't gone down well with the Twitterati as they accused the former cricketer of casual racism. Warne's comments have come under the scanner because of an enraged debate about racism by the players and workers at Yorkshire. Recently, former Yorkshire and England Under-19 captain Azeem Rafiq had filed a legal complaint against the English team after claiming direct discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race.
The complaint which caused a massive uproar in English cricket is under investigation. As per reports, two former Yorkshire employees. Taj Butt and Tony Bowry, have provided evidence against the club which has institutionalised racism. They stated that members of the club would refer to all people of colour as 'Steve'. Because of the Yorkshire cricket racism, Warne's comments irked the Twitterati. Several reactions poured in as fans lambasted Warne and accused him of casual racism. Here's a look at how fans reacted.
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A little bit of context would help this Aus commentary panel realise that the Pujara "Steve" reference is no laughing matter #AUSvIND
— Kanishkaa Balachandran (@kanishkaab) December 17, 2020
Referring to Pujara as ‘Steve’ is:
— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) December 17, 2020
a) unprofessional
b) disrespectful
c) racist
Learn to say his name
Goes on to show what is the importance of reading at least about the sport that earns you bread and butter. @7Cricket commentators @ShaneWarne and others are laughing about Pujara's nickname 'Steve' and I am optimistic that they're naive about the racist context of that name. https://t.co/yyWbFrqpJI
— Mayank (@kmayank9) 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".
— Lea, Leopard that doesn't want to change her spots (@LinuxLea) December 17, 2020
Hey Warney, you might want to read up on that whole racism scandal at Yorkshire!#AUSvIND
Hey @ShaneWarne, the story behind the "Steve" nickname for Pujara.
— Prashant Kondi (@PrasKon) December 17, 2020
"They called every person of colour 'Steve'. Even [India batsman] Cheteshwar Pujara, who joined as an overseas professional, was called Steve because they could not pronounce his name." This is as of Dec 2020.
Ah there comes the predictable Channel 9 old boys bit about lol lol how it is difficult to pronounce Cheteshwar Pujara's first name and lol they nicknamed him Steve. It's not #INDvsAUS without an Aussie commentator being casually racist.
— Gaurav Sabnis 🇮🇳🇺🇸 (@gauravsabnis) December 17, 2020
Meanwhile, India scored 233/6 at stumps on Day 1 with Ravichandran Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha at the crease. The Men in Blue will need to score in excess of 300 to give Australia a fight in the India vs Australia 1st Test. On the other hand, Australia will look to wrap India's tail quickly to avoid starting their innings under the lights.
India vs Australia 1st Test live streaming details
For India vs Australia 1st Test live telecast in India, fans can tune into the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 3 and SONY SIX) at 9:30 AM (IST) on Thursday, December 16. For India vs Australia live scores, one can visit the official website and social media pages of the BCCI and Cricket Australia. The live streaming of India vs Australia 1st Test will be available for fans on the SonyLIV app.
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SOURCE: RAJASTHAN IPL TWITTER
10:12 IST, December 18th 2020