Following the publication of a report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) that found evidence of racism throughout the sport of cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has apologized “unreservedly” to anyone who were subjected to prejudice while playing the game.
According to the findings of the investigation, cricket’s governing bodies had failed to avoid “structural and institutional racism, sexism, and class-based discrimination.” The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recognised the need for reform.
Within the next three months, the European Cricket Board (ECB) has said that it would collaborate with representatives from the sport to develop a plan of action that is in line with the 44 suggestions made by the International Cricket Execution Committee (ICEC).
“On behalf of the ECB and wider leadership of the game, I apologise unreservedly to anyone who has ever been excluded from cricket or made to feel like they don’t belong,” ECB chair Richard Thompson said in a statement. “I apologise unreservedly to anyone who has ever been excluded from cricket or made to feel like they don’t belong.”
“The game of cricket ought to be accessible to all people, but we are aware that this has not always been the case. The research comes to many compelling findings, one of which is that women and people of African descent have been ignored for far too long. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”
During a news conference held before to the second Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Lord’s, England captain Ben Stokes urged cricket to “learn from past mistakes” and “be more inclusive and diverse” in the wake of the critical report. The match was being played at Lord’s.
On Tuesday, Stokes was quoted as saying, “To the people involved within the game who have been made to feel unwelcome, I am deeply sorry to hear of your experiences.” “I am deeply sorry to hear of your experiences,”
“Cricket should celebrate diversity in all aspects of the game because, without diversity, it would not be the game that it is today,”
“Hello, my name is Ben Stokes, and I was born in New Zealand. I attended a public school until I was 16 years old, when I left with only one GCSE in physical education.
“I am now sitting here as the England men’s Test captain, and I required assistance with the spelling and punctuation in my speech.
“It is abundantly clear that the game has a great deal more work to do, and as players, we really want to be a part of that so that we can ensure that this is a sport that anyone can participate in,”
The Culture, Media, and Sport (CMS) Committee also provided feedback on the report. In their comments, they reaffirmed that racism is a systemic issue in cricket, while also acknowledging the need for the ECB to realign and striving to ensure that it fulfills its obligations.
“The volume of evidence, not only of racial discrimination, but also of sexism and elitism, is unacceptable in a sport that should be for all, and must now be a catalyst for change,” CMS Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage said in a statement. “The volume of evidence, not only of racial discrimination, but also of sexism and elitism, is unacceptable in a sport that should be for all.”
Thompson said that the consultation process will be managed by ECB Deputy CEO Clare Connor with the backing of a sub-group of the Board that included Ron Kalifa, Richard Gould, and himself as well as Zahida Manzoor, Pete Ackerley, and Ebony Rainford-Brent.