Organisers of The Hundred condemn online racist abuse aimed at ‘players and others’ since its launch

Organisers of the Hundred have revealed that racist messages have been aimed at ‘players and others’ on social media since its launch.

The Hundred got underway earlier this week and includes eight franchises – each with a men’s and women’s team – competing in matches featuring 100 balls bowled by each team.

A message has been posted to social media on Sunday morning from organisers, saying anyone who posts racial messages ‘are not welcome here’. 

Organisers have revealed online racist messages have been sent since the start of the Hundred

Organisers of the Hundred said those sending racist messages ‘are not welcome here’

The statement read: ‘We want The Hundred to be for everyone. The beauty of sport, in all its forms, is its ability to unite and inspire. Cricket is no different. But we do not accept racism or other forms of abuse.

‘Sadly, we have witnessed these unacceptable behaviours online, towards our players and others, in recent days.

‘We stand together with the rest of cricket against all forms of discrimination. You can disagree with us on many things, but not on that. Those who do are not welcome here.’

Sportspeople have been regular targets of online abuse in recent months, including England trio Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after they missed penalties in England’s Euro 2020 final shootout defeat to Italy.

Lewis Hamilton faced racial abuse last week after he was involved in an on-track collision with title rival Max Verstappen. 

The Hundred will run for the next month with winners being crowned in both the men’s and women’s tournament on August 21.    

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka got racist abuse after the Euro 2020 final

Lewis Hamilton also faced racist messages after his on-track collision with Max Verstappen