The death of Dean Jones has left a void in the cricketing fraternity, especially in the commentary box, as evidenced by the tributes pouring in for the former Australian cricketer from current and ex-cricketers around the world.
However, as much as he is revered for his astute cricket analyses, Jones had also faced the wrath of cricket enthusiasts and pundits for an incident involving South African cricketer Hashim Amla in 2006.
During a Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa, Jones referred to Amla as “terrorist” when the South African player took a catch to dismiss Kumar Sangakkara.
“The terrorist gets another wicket,” Jones was heard saying when the broadcast switched to a commercial break, but the his comment was aired around the world and he was at the receiving end of flak from various quarters.
The comments may have been made in passing, but it left a bitter aftertaste in everyone’s mouths. He was subsequently fired from the commentary panel.
Cricket South Africa reportedly received several calls from angry cricket fans who blasted Jones for his insensitive comment.
Jones, too, later admitted that it was “a silly and completely insensitive thing to say”. In addition to a personal apology to Amla, Jones also apologised publicly, adding that his comments were “stupid” and not meant to be disrespectful to any individual or faith.
“I have no end of respect for the Muslim faith… that’s why I’m so sorry at making such a stupid comment. It does not represent who I am, how I think or what I believe,” he had said.
