An independent report finds that institutional racism and sexism affect English cricket

An independent panel found that institutionalised racism, misogyny, and class-based prejudice are still present in English cricket.

The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, or ICEC, released a long-awaited report on the condition of the game on Tuesday. Its conclusions included the following: women were considered as “second-class citizens,” racism was “entrenched” in the English game, and cricket was a rare choice in public schools.

Then, the ICEC claims that the system was imprecise and unfit for purpose if anybody wished to voice their complaints about the issues.

Richard Thompson, the head of the England and Wales Cricket Board, apologised publicly and called the study a “wake up call.”

I sincerely apologise to anybody who has ever felt unwelcome or left out of cricket-related activities, Thompson added. Strong findings in the study also emphasise that Black people and women were ignored for an excessive amount of time. We sincerely apologise for this.

When former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq said he experienced racial harassment and abuse during two stints at the country’s most successful club from 2008–18, it shook English cricket.

In a sad speech before a parliamentary session in 2021, he detailed the bullying and Islamophobia he had experienced.

“Do I think racism was a factor in my career loss? At the hearing, Rafiq said, “Yes, I do.

As part of the ECB’s extensive effort to resolve claims of discrimination and enhance equality, diversity, and inclusion in cricket, the ICEC was established in November 2020. The results were supposed to be released last year.

The study offers “decisive action,” along with 44 main suggestions and a handful of supporting recommendations. While some adjustments may be “quickly implemented,” others would need “fundamental, longer-term changes to cricket in England and Wales, and its funding model,” according to the ECB.

In accordance with the ICEC’s timeframes, Thompson said that the governing body will speak with impacted areas and develop a plan of action over the course of three months.

According to Thompson, “We will use this opportunity to show that it is a game for all players, and we have a responsibility to make this right for both the present and future generations.” “Cricket must work to be the most inclusive sport in England and Wales,” I pledge.

Cindy Butts, who has served in a variety of capacities, served as the commission’s chair. She has also worked for Kick it Out, a football organisation that fights prejudice, and the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

More than 4,000 contributions from individuals at all levels were made to the ICEC. In the past five years, discrimination was reported by half of the respondents. When the numbers were broken down by ethnicity, however, they were higher: 87% of those with Pakistani and Bangladeshi ancestry, 82% of those with Indian ancestry, and 75% of all Black contributions.

While acknowledging that there would be many more people who felt unable to share their memories, Thompson added, “We apologise without reservation for these experiences and are grateful for the courage of those who have shared them with the ICEC.”

Although the ECB acknowledged that “significant improvements” had been achieved since 2018, it stated that “the report makes clear that much more needs to be done.”

“Making cricket more inclusive and reflective of the communities it serves is my No. 1 priority,” said chief executive officer Richard Gould. This is not a fast cure and never will be. We ought to see this as a once-in-a-generation chance to rebuild confidence in the game we like.