Former West Indies skipper Darren Sammy stirred when he alleged facing racist remarks while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. Incidentally, it comes during a time when the entire world is burning after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. However, former Sunrisers player Parthiv Patel is unaware of such racism against Sammy.

Sammy was a part of the Sunrisers set-up in 2013 and 2014. He played a key role in the team and even led the side in a few matches. Sammy has sparked another debate on racism during his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He alleged that he was subject to racism as many of his teammates called him and Thisara Perera ‘Kalu’. It is a Hindi word which means a black person.

Parthiv Patel not aware of racism against Darren Sammy

However, Parthiv Patel has admitted that he is not aware of any such racism against Darren Sammy. The veteran India cricketer said he has not heard any derogatory remarks during his days with the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

“I don’t think I have heard anyone using those (derogatory) words,” wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel, who has played 25 Tests and 38 ODIs for India, said.

Furthermore, Irfan Pathan also spoke on the same lines saying he is not aware of such racism brought forward by Darren Sammy. However, he feels if something happened, that should have had come immediately. He also admitted of racism in domestic cricket and called for an end to it.

“I was there with him (Sammy) in 2014. I feel had this really happened, the matter would definitely have been discussed. So I’m not aware of such things as nothing was discussed in a larger way. But at the same time, we need to educate our people because I’ve seen them (racial jibes) in domestic cricket.

“Some of our cricketers from the south, especially, have faced that in the northern and western parts of the country, though I don’t want to name anyone,” Irfan Pathan said.