Two British cheerleaders have claimed they were racially abused and stopped from performing at an Indian cricket tournament because they are black. Ellesha Newton, 22 and Sherinne Anderson, 25, both from London, claim the "n-word" was used.
The women were among a troupe of dancers brought in from around the world to promote the money-spinning Twenty20 Indian Premier League.
Pre-match show organiser Wizcraft said the claims were baseless and false.
Speaking to BBC London 94.9FM Miss Newton, from Islington, north London, said: "We were told by an organiser that we would not be allowed to perform because of the colour of our skin.
"He used the n-word and said the crowds would not appreciate us.
"We were devastated and shocked. We never had to deal with anything like this before."
She said they were both in tears and it was not until their manager spoke to the organisers that they were allowed to join the other dancers.
"When we performed the crowds were cheering. There was no bad feelings; they were taking pictures and they supported us," she said.
Film shoot
"It is not all of India that feels like this, just this one man."
The alleged incident happened last month in a game involving the King's XI Punjab team.
A spokesman for Wizcraft said: "We would like to clarify that these are baseless and false allegations that have been made against us.
"The cheerleaders in question had performed during the match and proof of this are photographs which were taken during the match.
"Their agents have been duly paid for their work and we have receipts to support the same."
Last month, Indian police said the organisers of the IPL tournament could be fined if cheerleaders were deemed to be dressed indecently.
Some politicians say the cheerleaders are "vulgar and obscene".
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