Aussie cricket great lashes out after brutal brawl at multicultural match that was supposed to promote diversity sees players banned for 13 YEARS

• Brawl in Thunder Nation Cup last year in Sydney’s west
• Former Test star Trent Copeland said bans sent a message

By ANDREW PRENTICE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Former Australian Test cricketer Trent Copeland has lashed out at a number of players involved in a brawl during a multicultural competition in Sydney’s west after they were hit with staggering bans.

Athlete turned sports administrator Copeland is the Sydney Thunder general manager – and the Big Bash franchise have staged the Thunder Nation Cup for the past 12 years.

Whether it continues in the same format remains to be seen following wild scenes in a semi-final last year between teams representing India and Afghanistan.

Punches were exchanged on field – and reportedly off the field as well.

Following the chaotic scenes, the match was abandoned and both teams were disqualified from the competition.

Indian players Arun Chauhan and Goldy Kotia and Afghani player Hilal Tawakal were all banned by Cricket NSW integrity for 42 months each.

Former Australian Test cricketer Trent Copeland has lashed out at players involved in a brawl during a multicultural tournament in Sydney’s west which promotes diversity

Arun Chauhan (right) represented India in the Thunder Nation Cup – and was issued a 42 month ban for his role in the brawl last year in a match against Afghanistan

Following the chaotic scenes, the match was abandoned and both teams were disqualified from the competition (Arun Chauhan is pictured right, with Aussie cricket star David Warner)

Amanjyot Singh and Mohan Pannu – both from the Indian XI – received suspensions of 12 and 18 months respectively.

Copeland made no apologies for the heavy bans, which totalled 13 years.

‘The significance of the sanctions is the message. If you look at those you will understand how seriously we take improper conduct, Copeland told News Corp.

‘Cricket is a safe space and we just don’t stand for anything like that.

‘The purpose of Thunder Nation Cup is to create a fostering environment for people who don’t have English as their first spoken language or have just migrated to Australia and are finding a place or connection with other people through cricket.

‘I’ve never seen suspensions to this degree. But there’s a streamlined (integrity) process and it’s quite obvious this is where it needed to land.’

Copeland also confirmed a review will be conducted into the format of the popular park cricket competition.

Sri Lanka player Vinushan Joseph wants to see the competition continue, adamant it brings ‘competing nations together.’ 

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Mr Chauhan for comment.

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Aussie cricket great lashes out after brutal brawl at multicultural match that was supposed to promote diversity sees players banned for 13 YEARS

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