The Austrian Cricket Association (ACA) has issued an unreserved apology to the Israel Cricket Association (ICA) and the Israel cricket team for an incident that occurred prior to their Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier A match on June 10.
While the exact nature of the incident remains undisclosed, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the ACA has taken prompt action to address the issue. The player responsible has been subjected to appropriate disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the ACA’s disciplinary procedures.
Following the incident, the ICC initiated a conciliation process between the ACA and the ICA to facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution. The process was conducted confidentially by Paul Mortimer, an independent expert in anti-discrimination and race relations.
The incident took place in Spinaceto, Rome, during a Europe Qualifier A match between Austria and Israel. The tournament serves as a pathway to qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Austria emerged victorious in the match, with Aqib Iqbal’s unbeaten 35-ball 52 sealing a seven-wicket win over Israel.
The ACA’s apology and the ICC’s intervention underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment in cricket. The incident serves as a reminder that all players and teams deserve to participate in the sport without fear of discrimination or harassment.
The ICC’s Anti-Discrimination Code prohibits any form of discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. The code requires all ICC members to implement policies and procedures to prevent and address discrimination in cricket.
The ACA’s swift response to the incident demonstrates its commitment to upholding the ICC’s Anti-Discrimination Code and creating a welcoming environment for all participants in the sport. The ICC’s conciliation process has facilitated a resolution that allows both teams to move forward and focus on their respective cricket journeys.
