STATEMENT: Racism in Cricket
The international equality-in-sport charity, equitysport, has made a statement regarding the now numerous and disturbing allegations of racist abuse at professional cricket clubs in England.
equitysport is deeply concerned by recent reports alleging multiple incidents of racist abuse at professional cricket clubs in England. We recognise the influential role that clubs like Yorkshire and Essex County Cricket Club play within the global cricket ecosystem.
We understand that many of our supporters will be concerned, disappointed and angered by these revelations, the example it sets to young cricketers around the world, and by the impotent response from many of the sport's most influential personalities and institutions.
It is becoming clearer by the day that cricket in England faces a reckoning in regards to racism, racist abuse and a widespread tolerance of toxic, discriminatory and exclusionary behaviour by some of its professional players and coaches, past and present.
We welcome the reports of ongoing investigations, and the rightful resignation of those who have failed to uphold their responsibilities, but remain concerned that these firefighting actions will not go far enough in rooting out a culture of racist abuse within certain factions of English cricket.
In our continued collective fight against inequality in all its forms, it's time to confront the inconvenient truth that simply reacting to incidents of discrimination will not create an inclusive, non-discriminatory culture within sport.
In cricket, and in sport more widely, we must recognise that equality is not just the absence of discrimination but the presence of values and systems that ensure fairness, access and opportunity for all; no matter who you are, where you come from or what your background might be.
We, at equitysport, implore all stakeholders involved in cricket to go beyond the usual surface-scratching investigations, resignations, and grandstanding policy reviews; and instead look for meaningful ways for the sport at all levels to engage with, and live true to its stated values and ideals.
equitysport is a values-based UK-registered charity (1189559) that exists to advance and promote equality, diversity and equal opportunity in and through global sport. Through free-form development, education programmes and targeted advocacy the charity seeks an inclusive and equitable sporting ecosystem that lives up to the true values of sport.
For interviews or further comment from equitysport, please contact the team via: hello@equitysport.org