CA chief slams 'racist' comments over Fawad Ahmed's 'beer-branded kit' refusal

Cricket Australia (CA) chief James Sutherland has slammed 'racist comments' aimed at Pakistan-born Australian leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed following his refusal to wear a kit displaying the logo of beer brand VB due to 'religious reasons'.

According to the Daily Times, Ahmed, who became an Australian citizen in July after his application was fast-tracked, did not have the logo on his shirt during his international debut in last week's T20 matches against England.

Although CA agreed with Ahmed's request, critics bashed the player on the CA website and on the social media, with one comment saying that religion is not a legitimate reason and Ahmed is playing cricket, not praying at a church.

Another comment said that cricket is driven by money and fans and not by religious fanatics, adding that those who do not like the Australian culture should leave, or keep their 'misguided values' to themselves.

Expressing his disgust at the remarks, Sutherland said that CA is extremely disappointed over the 'racist' comments towards Ahmed, adding that the board does not condone racism in any way, shape or form.

Sutherland further said that some of the comments are falsely attributed to former Australian cricketer Dean Jones, adding that CA is fully supportive of the personal beliefs of Ahmed, who is a valued and popular member of the Australian cricket team and the wider cricket community.