Cricket: Spectator to apologise over racism

The Pakistan government and cricket team will receive an apology from a spectator who referred to the cricketers as "terrorists" during the Napier test match.

Pakistan's Sports Minister Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani has suggested government intervention after the national cricket team was racially abused during the test against New Zealand, with drunks in a corporate box shouting slogans of "Pakistani terrorists" at the players.

Mark Tremain, younger brother of Napier MP Chris Tremain, said he would take responsibility to send the letter of apology, The Dominion Post reported.

The abuse came from a guest at the box owned by his family's company. The incident was highly embarrassing, he said. The person who shouted the abuse would be asked to write the letter.

Mr Tremain hired Tremain Real Estate's corporate box for himself and 17 friends on the second day of the Pakistan-New Zealand test.

Another spectator said he was embarrassed by the group's "drunken stupidity" and the racist comments, which included shouts of "Pakistani terrorists". A sign saying "no racist comments please" was later displayed on the park's scoreboard.

Mr Tremain said the group's yelling was not abusive but there was only one comment he was unhappy about.

He apologised to anyone who was upset.

- NZPA