- Widespread Discrimination in English Cricket
- Azeem Rafiq’s Fight Against Racism
- Challenges and Recommendations for Equity in Cricket
The investigation gathered testimony from more than 4,000 individuals and determined that the discrimination and abuse faced by Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq was pervasive.
A report found that racism, misogyny, and class-based discrimination are deeply rooted and pervasive in English cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) acted on one recommendation after receiving evidence and recommendations: apologizing.
Richard Thompson, chairman of the European Central Bank, told, “We apologize to anyone who felt excluded or discriminated against.” “It was shocking to read about what people have endured in a way that they should never have had to endure,” as a result of the clarity of the descriptions of their experiences.
The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) received testimony from over 4,000 individuals and determined:
- Racism is entrenched in cricket
- Women are marginalized and routinely experience sexism
- There is little to no focus on addressing class barriers
- Complaints systems are confusing and not fit for purpose
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion need substantial improvement
After George Floyd’s 2020 killing and global outrage over entrenched racism, the ECB commissioned Cindy Butts’ investigation.
Approximately at the same moment, former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq condemned racism in cricket in this country.
In response to the report, Rafiq told, “Today’s report is hopefully the voice of the 4,000 individuals who mustered the courage to address the commission.”
“Even those suffering in silence – I can only hope this brings them some form of closure.”
He stated that the ECB’s apology was “a good start” and that it was “wrong” that England women have never played a test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Rafiq further stated that he was “deeply sorry” for any antisemitic remarks he may have made in the past and that he was doing everything possible to apologize to the Jewish community.
His Islamophobia and inactivity were not restricted to Yorkshire.
A Pakistani ex-player informed investigators, “All the stories that Azeem Rafiq tells about have happened to me as well.”
“All the mistreatment, isolation, and loathing. I was flooded with alcohol by [teammates]. I was pelted with bacon sandwiches. And I have survived with all of this without telling anyone.”
An Indian-origin recreational player’s account elucidated the frustrations associated with reporting abuse.
“After the game, I and another player were called terrorists,” he said. “After an initial apology, the chair of the opposition decided to defend the person who remarked, claiming that we were attempting to defame the club and that they were the victims.”
The 300-page ICEC report addresses issues not sufficiently addressed in a 24-year-old ECB racism report.
Ms. Butts told, “I think it’s a complete disgrace.” “It was extremely difficult to locate evidence that the issue had been properly addressed. That is extremely disheartening. And it must be dealt with immediately.”
A ‘barrier to inclusion’ is the drinking culture.
Amid the men’s and women’s Ashes series, which emphasize issues that require attention, the report is released.
Australia’s men celebrated their first Test victory by drinking beer on the field, and the drinking culture in cricket is described as a “barrier to inclusion” in a recent report.
It’s not just about ending “laddish behavior”; by 2030, female players are urged to receive equal remuneration.
And the sport must become less expensive and more accessible for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in public institutions. Thereby eliminating the advantages enjoyed by private school students.
According to the report, elitism, as well as profoundly rooted and pervasive forms of structural and institutional racism, sexism, and class-based discrimination, continue to exist throughout the sport.
After 2023, the commission suggests that the annual matches between Eton and Harrow schools and Oxford and Cambridge universities should no longer be contested at Lord’s, which is owned by the Marylebone Cricket Club.
The expectation is that they will be supplanted by national state school under-15 finals and national finals competitions for university teams – including both women’s and men’s teams.
Ms. Butts does not believe, however, that a new national governing body is necessary.
Ms. Butts stated, “I believe they are committed to making the necessary changes.” We have not shied away from stating that the ECB must undergo substantial reform in its regulatory function to demonstrate its commitment to issues of equity.
There are training requirements. We discuss, for instance, the paucity of racial literacy within the ECB.
“Therefore, I believe that several factors indicate ways in which we have suggested the ECB can improve. “At this time, I do not believe that disbanding the ECB will aid in achieving all of the vitally important goals that we believe must be accomplished.”
