“If the Indians don’t want to follow the rules, don’t come,” Bates had said.
The ongoing series of tests between Australia and India is still in the news. This time, Queensland’s shadow minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Ross Bates’ comments have left BCCI disappointed as, according to the board, the team has been shown in dim light despite cooperating with Cricket Australia during the whole tour. This all happened when the India team refused to be in strict quarantine while in Brisbane for the fourth test.
Rather, the Indian board is now thinking of cutting the four-game test series by three by not playing in Brisbane. Noting Ross Bates’ comments as hurtful, the BCCI official, speaking to the media, stated that if the India team did not want to follow the rules, Rohit sharma did not complete the 14-day quarantine period.
The official also added that the minister’s tone seemed general and clarified that the board is considering whether to play in The Gabba or not. “The statement made by the public representative portrays the Indians in low light and let me assure you that we do not want to do anything other than comply with the rules, and the strict quarantine of Rohit Sharma is one example.
“Trying to spread an opinion that we don’t want to follow the rules is unacceptable and the tone and tenor with which it was said seemed fraught with hostility and bordered on racism. Therefore, it is not surprising that a rethink is being considered. If a representative of the public does not want us there, it is painful and the last thing we want is to anger the Australian fans who have given us so much love and support over the years.
“We don’t want to make it difficult for them or Cricket Australia,” the official said according to the Times of India.
What did Ross Bates say?
When reports indicated that the India team is not ready to go back into strict quarantine, Ross Bates He had said that the side led by Ajinkya Rahane should not come if they are not willing to follow the rules. “If the Indians do not want to follow the rules, do not come,” he had said and then also posted his statement on his Twitter account.
Queensland’s Shadow Sports Minister Tim Mander also echoed his sentiments. “If the Indian cricket team wants to spit the dummy and ignore the quarantine guidelines in Brisbane for the fourth test, then they should not come,” he had said as reported by Fox Sports.
