JAKARTA - The captain of the Essex cricket team, Tom Westley, apologized for the incident of sprinkling alcoholic drinks on Muslim players during their victory celebration at the Bob Willis Cup, Sunday, September 27 yesterday.
Westley et al won the Bob Willis Cup after a draw with Somerset. However, in the middle of a victory party on the pavilion balcony, 12th player, Feroze Khushi, was caught on camera being doused with beer by teammate Will Buttleman.
The 20-year-old's actions were not considered malicious. But the club said the incident did not live up to their "inclusive values" and their efforts should go further in providing an understanding of cultural education to all team members.
Westley, who has finished a successful first season as club captain, felt moved to speak on behalf of the dressing room following the team's meeting on the matter on Tuesday.
"On behalf of me and the team, we would like to apologize for the violations that were caused during our celebration at Lord's on Sunday," he said.
“At Essex, we believe we have built a strong dressing room culture that supports each other both on and off the pitch. As a group we have gathered today and discussed the event and as a reflection we are disappointed that we allowed this to happen.
"Going forward, the squad will be more responsible and aware of our actions and will continue to learn and develop with the help of the ECB and the Professional Cricket Association."
Khushi is a promising young hitter who was born in Leytonstone. His play progressed through the club's academy, making his first class debut this season and appearing in all four of the Bob Willis Trophy group matches.
The 21-year-old has not spoken publicly about the incident but Arfan Akram, one of the coaches at Essex and a senior teammate at Wanstead and Snaresbrook CC in east London, publicly welcomed the response from their superiors.
“The way my club handled the incident sensitively was not only classy, but also emphasized how strong it is to respect everyone and always be on a journey of learning, inclusiveness and embracing our diverse routes of pride. I'm very proud to work for @EssexCricket, ”Arkam tweeted.
The way my club have sensitively dealt with the incident is not only class, it reiterates how strongly it values everyone and always on a journey of learning, inclusivity and embracing our proud diverse routes. I am so proud to work for @EssexCricket ❤️🦅. https://t.co/r3UL8bqWyp
- Arfan Akram (@arfanakram) September 29, 2020
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