ICEC calls for urgent reform of discrimination in cricket
Cricket must urgently reform to address deep rooted and widespread institutional, structural and interpersonal discrimination across the game, finds a landmark report1 today published by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC).
More than 4,000 people responded to the ICEC’s Call for Evidence2 which was supplemented by primary research, literature reviews, written and oral evidence from hundreds of individuals, counties, women’s regional teams and wider organisations linked to cricket.
With one in two respondents experiencing discrimination in the game2, the report, Holding Up A Mirror To Cricket, lays bare the extent of game-wide failings, to reveal:
- Racism is entrenched in cricket;
- Women are marginalised and routinely experience sexism;
- Little to no focus on addressing class barriers;
- Complaints systems are confusing and not fit for purpose;
- Equity, diversity and inclusion requires significant improvement.
In an open letter toICEC Chair Cindy Butts, ECB Chair Richard Thompson said:
"While this report makes for deeply uncomfortable reading for all of those who love the game of cricket, we wish to thank you and your fellow Commissioners for the rigour of your report, and for holding up an unfiltered mirror to all cricket in England and Wales. We were clear when the ICEC was established two years ago by the ECB, that we wanted independent and expert analysis of the issues of inequity affecting our game, in order to move beyond these issues, collectively and definitively.
"The findings of your report, based on over 4,000 contributions from those involved in cricket at all levels, speak for themselves. Cricket should never exclude anyone on the basis of their ethnicity, gender or social background. We apologise unreservedly for these experiences, and are thankful for the courage of those who have shared them with the ICEC, whilst recognising there will be many more who felt unable to give their accounts.
"Your report spells out the stark need to address discrimination across cricket, recognising the pain and exclusion this has caused. I am determined that this wake-up call for cricket in England and Wales must not be wasted. It is our job to demonstrate that it is a game for all and we have a duty to put this right for current and future generations.
"We will use this moment to reset cricket. This cannot and will not be a quick fix – we must take the time to put in place meaningful structural reforms. As your report rightly points out, cricket has been here before. This time our response will be different. Our response must be wide-ranging and long-term."
