On Monday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued an unequivocal apology to people who skilled discrimination throughout the sport, following the discharge of a report by the Impartial Fee for Fairness in Cricket (ICEC).
The report uncovered cases of racism all through the game and highlighted the cricket board’s shortcomings in addressing systemic problems with racism, sexism, and discrimination based mostly on social class.
Recognizing the need for transformation, the ECB expressed its dedication to collaborate with representatives from the cricketing neighborhood. Collectively, they may devise a complete motion plan over the following three months, aligning it with the ICEC’s 44 suggestions. This proactive strategy goals to rectify the prevailing points and foster a extra inclusive and equitable atmosphere inside cricket.
“On behalf of the ECB and wider management of the sport, I apologise unreservedly to anybody who has ever been excluded from cricket or made to really feel like they do not belong,” ECB chair Richard Thompson mentioned in an announcement.
“Cricket ought to be a sport for everybody, and we all know that this has not all the time been the case. Highly effective conclusions throughout the report additionally spotlight that for too lengthy ladies and Black individuals had been uncared for. We’re really sorry for this.”
Thompson additional acknowledged that the session course of can be spearheaded by Clare Connor, the deputy CEO of the ECB, with the help of a board sub-group comprising Zahida Manzoor, Pete Ackerley, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Ron Kalifa, Richard Gould and Thompson himself.
The report uncovered cases of racism all through the game and highlighted the cricket board’s shortcomings in addressing systemic problems with racism, sexism, and discrimination based mostly on social class.
Recognizing the need for transformation, the ECB expressed its dedication to collaborate with representatives from the cricketing neighborhood. Collectively, they may devise a complete motion plan over the following three months, aligning it with the ICEC’s 44 suggestions. This proactive strategy goals to rectify the prevailing points and foster a extra inclusive and equitable atmosphere inside cricket.
“On behalf of the ECB and wider management of the sport, I apologise unreservedly to anybody who has ever been excluded from cricket or made to really feel like they do not belong,” ECB chair Richard Thompson mentioned in an announcement.
“Cricket ought to be a sport for everybody, and we all know that this has not all the time been the case. Highly effective conclusions throughout the report additionally spotlight that for too lengthy ladies and Black individuals had been uncared for. We’re really sorry for this.”
Thompson additional acknowledged that the session course of can be spearheaded by Clare Connor, the deputy CEO of the ECB, with the help of a board sub-group comprising Zahida Manzoor, Pete Ackerley, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Ron Kalifa, Richard Gould and Thompson himself.
(AI picture)
In response to the report, the Tradition, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee echoed the sentiment that cricket faces a profound concern of racism.
Whereas acknowledging the crucial for the ECB to endure realignment, the committee goals to make sure that the board fulfills its commitments and successfully addresses the issues outlined within the report.
“The amount of proof, not solely of racial discrimination, but additionally of sexism and elitism, is unacceptable in a sport that ought to be for all, and should now be a catalyst for change,” CMS Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage mentioned in an announcement.
(With company inputs)
