Cricket pundit Jones sacked

COLOMBO – Australian cricket pundit Dean Jones was sacked by his TV employers and sent home on Tuesday after calling South Africa’s Muslim player Hashim Amla a “terrorist” during the second Test against Sri Lanka here.

Jones was heard on air saying “the terrorist has got another wicket” when the bearded Amla took a catch to dismiss Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara during the fourth day’s play on Monday. An official for TEN Sports, the Dubai-based TV company covering the series, told AFP that Jones had been asked to return home following a complaint from Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Gerald Majola.”We have taken the matter very seriously,” the official said.”But I can confirm Deano has gone home.”Jones, 45, told reporters before his early morning departure yesterday he regretted making that comment and would send an apology to Amla.Jones played 52 Tests and 164 one-day internationals for Australia.Nampa-APAn official for TEN Sports, the Dubai-based TV company covering the series, told AFP that Jones had been asked to return home following a complaint from Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Gerald Majola.”We have taken the matter very seriously,” the official said.”But I can confirm Deano has gone home.”Jones, 45, told reporters before his early morning departure yesterday he regretted making that comment and would send an apology to Amla.Jones played 52 Tests and 164 one-day internationals for Australia.Nampa-AP