Essex call for ‘inclusive celebrations’ after Muslim cricketer sprayed with alcohol after Bob Willis Trophy win

On Sunday, Essex County Cricket Club were crowned champions of the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy by virtue of their first-innings lead of 36 runs after the game against Somerset ended in a draw.

But in the celebrations that took place at the famed balcony at Lord's, Feroze Khushi, a young batsman who was the 12^th man for the team on the day, could be seen grimacing as beer is poured over his head by his team-mate.

This was later criticised by many members of the Muslim community in England and the club also came out with a statement saying that "further work needs to be done" on their approach to diversity in the team.

This one’s for you, Essex fans! #ChampionesOleOleOle pic.twitter.com/VKC1gDVu18— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 27, 2020

"As an organisation, Essex County Cricket Club prides themselves on their work within multi-diverse communities throughout the county and the surrounding areas," the statement said.

‘Essex has a multi-diverse team’

"For a substantial period of time, Essex have had a multi-diverse team with players from different backgrounds, religions, and races, where cricket is at the heart of these communities.

"The club has worked extremely hard and will continue to bring cricket to anybody and everybody, and educate on diversity, but further work needs to be done across both sport and society in general, to widen people's knowledge and make them more aware of cultural differences.

"Essex County Cricket Club are in regular dialogue with the ECB and the PCA around the education and development in this area."

Essex reasserted their status as the leading side in English cricket's red-ball format by claiming the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy after a five-day draw was settled on first-innings runs.

Although 21-year-old Khushi did not feature in the final, he made four appearances during the group stage.