Opinion: Why Shannon Gabriel's ban is unjustified

Is homophobia same as disapproval of homosexuality?

Different lifestyle preferences do not imply prejudice against others

Now, let’s assume that the comment from Gabriel did suggest that homosexuality is something he disapproves of. But does that tantamount to homophobia?

Now there are many people in this world who believe in certain principles. However, that doesn’t mean that they consider those who don’t lesser beings.

Take, for instance, some members of the English team itself. Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid are devout Muslims who don’t consume alcohol. According to their faith, drinking liquor is ‘haraam.’ This is why, whenever the English team has to celebrate a series win by popping a champagne bottle, they allow these two to walk off the stage before starting their celebrations.

Does that mean that Ali and Rashid regard other members of the English team as lesser beings? No, they certainly don’t. But they are entitled to their own beliefs as long as they don’t impose them on others.

As a devout Hindu, I consider cow to be a sacred animal and find the thought of cow-meat utterly nauseating. That does not mean that I regard all those players who are from other countries and beef-eaters as lesser human beings.

While the above two examples are specific to a particular religion, one thing that all great faiths of the world agree on is the need for chastity and fidelity. Everyone knows that the list of cricketers who don’t conform to these principles is huge. Does that mean that all religious players, and there are plenty of them from across communities, would refuse to share dressing rooms with other cricketers? Absolutely not.

Similarly, not considering homosexuality to be absolutely normal is not equal to being homophobic. When you combine this with the fact that Gabriel did not use a slur but merely posed a rhetorical question to counter Root’s irritating smirk, that too, knowing fully well that he is a heterosexual man, it should absolve him of any guilt.

Gabriel was trying to hit back at Root in an equally irritating manner and not trying to insult any group of people. If a coach tells his players to ‘man up’ while playing the short ball, does that mean he is insulting all women? It’s just a way to motivate them.

If one were to follow Root’s example, then there would be an endless number of bans and controversies. Telling someone to ‘grow a pair’ can be countered with “there is nothing wrong with not having a pair!” or ‘show some spine’ can be rebutted with ‘there is nothing wrong with being a paralytic!’ We cannot stretch political correctness to such levels of ludicrousness.