'Devastating' review of Scottish cricket finds it to be 'institutionally racist'

[MenInG]

A "devastating" review of Scottish cricket has found it to be institutionally racist, Sky News understands.

The findings of an independent investigation are due to be published on Monday and it's expected to support allegations of significant and widespread racism within the Scottish game.

Investigators have made multiple referrals to a number of organisations, including Police Scotland, for alleged racist behaviour.

The lawyer representing two high-profile complainants says if the findings are confirmed, they amount to a "devastating indictment of the racism that exists in Cricket Scotland (the game's governing body)."

The review was conducted following allegations made by Scotland's all-time leading wicket-taker Majid Haq that Cricket Scotland was "institutionally racist".

In an interview with Sky Sports last November, he and former team-mate Qasim Sheikh spoke of abuse that both had suffered throughout their careers.

Both men said they were treated differently from team-mates because of the colour of their skin.

The following month, SportScotland appointed Plan4Sport - an organisation that specialises in issues around equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) - to conduct a review.

It has since taken contributions from several hundred people.

Speaking to Sky News in Edinburgh, Sheikh said that he was "lucky" to play for his national team but felt he was "treated differently" when entering the senior national team set-up.

The batsman made 27 caps for Scotland, his last one coming in 2010.

He said: "We were lucky to make it to that point but stumbled and didn't play after speaking out about a coach at the time.

"Majid was sent home from the World Cup, never to play for his country again, I've never played again. These types of overreactions suggest to me that we are treated differently because of the colour of our skin compared to our white counterparts, which I don't feel faced the same thing.

"Playing for Scotland was everything to me, I travelled the world to better myself as a player. I played for the age of 12 for Scotland, all through the age groups.

"When I got to the national level, I just didn't seem to get comfortable at any point and get the same opportunities as others.

"It's affected my mental health, I was definitely going through depression two-three years after. This will probably never leave me, I will never be going back on a cricket pitch for Scotland again so I will prob be thinking of this for the rest of my days.

"Coming on 38 now, what's important to me is the next generation, the current generation are treated fairly."

He added that the "buck falls with leaders at board level".

Sky News understands that, in their findings, the investigators support the claims of institutional racism within Scottish cricket.

One source said: "The fundamental claim at the start of this was about institutional racism at the heart of cricket. This review concludes that it's very much the case."

Aamer Anwar, who represents Haq and Sheikh, spoke to Sky News ahead of the report's publication.

He said: "Cricket Scotland is dysfunctional and institutionally racist - if that is confirmed by this review, it will be devastating for Cricket Scotland.

"There are those within the organisation who should be ashamed of their treatment of Majid and Qasim and so many other cricketers who gave their lives to cricket but saw their careers taken away from them.

"In any other walk of life, the individuals responsible would find themselves out of a job, in a jail cell, or banished from public life.

"Yet, when it comes to cricket, they are rewarded with promotions and status.

"Racism exists in Cricket Scotland and my clients know that has been the case for many years, through generations of cricketers."

A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland said: "Cricket should be a welcoming place for everyone and not somewhere that racism or any form of discrimination takes place.

"The Cricket Scotland Board is truly sorry to everyone who has experienced racism in cricket in Scotland.

"We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has been involved in contributing to the review, however the Board is not in a position to comment on the independent review's report as we will not see it until it is published publicly on Monday."

Events in Scotland follow a racism scandal in English cricket.

Last year, several top officials resigned from Yorkshire County Cricket Club following allegations by former captain Azeem Rafiq.

He complained of institutional racism at the club and said abuse regarding his Pakistani heritage had left him close to taking his own life.

https://news.sky.com/story/devastat...tionally-racist-sky-news-understands-12657391

 

[TheSultan]

Hardly surprising. Cricket in white countries has been institutional racist to the core as long as cricket has existed.

However, rather than concentrating on vilifying everyone from the past for something they considered normal, more effort should be concentrated on ensuring it doesn’t happen from this day forward.

Cancelling Vaughan and the others makes great headlines, but is pointless if you don’t accompany that with an overhaul and noticeable change across the board.

 

[sweep_shot]

I have no doubt that racism exists but I feel it is often blown out of proportion.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Subcontinent people should stop playing for White countries. There will always be natives favoring their own kind. You cannot stop it.

 

[Shaka81]

I have no doubt that racism exists but I feel it is often blown out of proportion.

In Scottish cricket racism definitely exists and certainly isn't blown out of proportion. I've seen it personally having played club cricket in the West of Scotland for a few years.

 

[James]

Hardly surprising. Cricket in white countries has been institutional racist to the core as long as cricket has existed.

However, rather than concentrating on vilifying everyone from the past for something they considered normal, more effort should be concentrated on ensuring it doesn’t happen from this day forward.

Cancelling Vaughan and the others makes great headlines, but is pointless if you don’t accompany that with an overhaul and noticeable change across the board.

Correct.

Lots of work to be done across the UK in this regard.

 

[Moeey]

Subcontinent people should stop playing for White countries. There will always be natives favoring their own kind. You cannot stop it.

This. As if Indians or Pakistanis would select foreigners in their main 11? Same thought process. You support your peopl3 first and that's totally acceptable. You have to really stand out unfortunately to get picked.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Racism exists everywhere. No way to sugarcoat it.

There's a reason there hasn't really been a great player of Asian roots in either England, Australia and NZ (although NZ can be given the benefit of not housing many Asians)

 

[Shaka81]

This. As if Indians or Pakistanis would select foreigners in their main 11? Same thought process. You support your peopl3 first and that's totally acceptable. You have to really stand out unfortunately to get picked.

We're not talking about foreigners. We're talking about people born and raised in these countries.

 

[MenInG]

The Board of Cricket Scotland has resigned with immediate effect following the findings of an independent investigation due to be published on Monday

 

[MenInG]

The board of Cricket Scotland has resigned ahead of the release of Monday's damning independent review into racism in Scottish cricket.

The review has found Scottish cricket to be institutionally racist, Sky Sports News understands.

The findings of an independent investigation are due to be published on Monday and it is expected to support allegations of significant and widespread racism within the Scottish game.

Investigators have made multiple referrals to a number of organisations, including Police Scotland, for alleged racist behaviour.

A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland said: "Cricket Scotland will work in partnership with sportscotland with immediate effect to ensure appropriate governance, leadership and support is in place for the organisation and the sport in the days ahead, and these arrangements will be reviewed after the publication of the report into racism in cricket in Scotland and updates given accordingly."

SKY

 

[gazza619]

How can a thrash cricket team be so racist?

If anything they should have been more welcoming to the minority community who could play a vital role in the development and progression of their cricket.

Disgusting!

 

[James]

Woefully messy times for Scots cricket.

The future for them is not exactly looking positive.

 

[PakLFC]

Massive blow for Scottish Cricket. Total humiliation for the Scottish game when this is confirmed.

 

[gazza619]

Woefully messy times for Scots cricket.

The future for them is not exactly looking positive.

This could be a start of a positive future as the shameful board members have resigned

 

[LegendAli]

Racism exists everywhere. No way to sugarcoat it.

There's a reason there hasn't really been a great player of Asian roots in either England, Australia and NZ (although NZ can be given the benefit of not housing many Asians)

Khawaja, Moeen Ali to a degree, come on man.

 

[MenInG]

A damning review of Scottish cricket has found that its governing body failed on almost all tests of institutional racism.

Sky News revealed on Saturday that the independent review found the sport in Scotland to be institutionally racist. Independent investigators have now published the details of their findings.

They found 448 indicators of institutional racism.

Of 31 'tests' used to measure the problem, Cricket Scotland - the game's governing body - failed on 29 and only partially met the required standard on the remaining two.

The report authors were told of a range of examples of racism experienced by participants across all areas of cricket, which led to referrals being made to Police Scotland as hate crimes, as well as Cricket Scotland.

Sixty-eight individual concerns have been referred for further investigation. These include 31 allegations of racism against 15 different people, 2 clubs and one regional association. These allegations include racial abuse, the use of inappropriate language, favouritism to young, white children from public schools and a lack of transparent selection process for non-white players. In some cases, multiple concerns have been raised against the same individual.

Investigators said contributors had "clearly witnessed or experienced racism, discrimination and persistent micro-aggressions based on race during their role as a coach, umpire or player."

Timeline
24 November 2021 - Former players tell Sky Sports News about their experiences with Cricket Scotland, calling them 'institutionally racist' and ask for an independent investigation

Last November Scotland's all-time leading wicket taker Majid Haq and former player Qasim Sheikh told Sky Sports News they were treated differently due to colour of their skin, with Haq alleging Cricket Scotland was 'institutionally racist' and both called for an independent investigation.

8 December 2021 - sportscotland announce they will appoint independent investigators to carry out a review into Cricket Scotland

Following those allegations, funding body and Scotland's national agency for sport - sportscotland - announced they would appoint independent investigators to carry out a review into Scottish cricket and the allegations made. That announcement in December was welcomed by Cricket Scotland.

21 December 2021 - Cricket Scotland confirm NDA's to be relaxed

Later that month, Cricket Scotland revealed non-disclosure agreements were to be relaxed, meaning Majid Haq - who signed a NDA after being sent home from the 2015 Cricket World Cup - was able to speak about his experiences of alleged racism.

January 2022 - Plan4Sport begin review into racism within Scottish cricket

Equality and diversity experts Plan4Sport were then appointed to conduct the review which began in January with a "a confidential safe space" promised for those affected.

18 February 2022 - Cricket Scotland admit racism is an issue within the game

The following month Cricket Scotland accepted there was an issue with racism in the game in Scotland and apologised to those who had suffered, whilst calling on others to take part in the review.

28 April 2022 - Interim report on review into racism in Scottish cricket published

In April the interim findings of the review were published, revealing more than 200 people had engaged directly with the process. Concerns around racism, inequality and discrimination were identified while disclosures in relation to racism were passed to independent lawyers or Police Scotland.

10 June 2022 - Cricket Scotland pause search for new CEO

Following an extensive recruitment process, Cricket Scotland decided to delay plans to appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer until the review was published in full to ensure the person taking over was best placed to lead change and act on the findings. Gordon Arthur was appointed on an interim basis the following month.

24 July 2022 - Cricket Scotland board resign

And yesterday, one day after we revealed this report will conclude Cricket Scotland is institutionally racist, the six remaining members of Cricket Scotland's board wrote to Gordon Arthur, resigning from their roles.

SKY

 

[Robert]

448 incidences is damning.

Very sad about this as I have always thought of Scotland as a welcoming place (unless you are English!).

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The fact that racism exists in Scottish cricket does not surprise me. The extent of it does though.

 

[shaz619]

Correct.

Lots of work to be done across the UK in this regard.

Unacceptable mate, how long have asians been playing in club cricket now, there are many positives of cricket beginning together two cultures so there is no excuse to be a bonehead in 2022 England or Scotland

 

[MenInG]

An independent review into allegations of racism in Scottish cricket has found the governance and leadership of the sport to be institutionally racist.

It also found that those who did raise issues were ignored or side-lined and a culture of "racially aggravated micro-aggression" was allowed to develop.

The review highlighted 448 examples that demonstrated institutional racism.

It was commissioned by Sportscotland after a number of allegations were made last year.

An anonymous survey was carried out as part of the review, with 62% of those who responded saying they had experienced, seen or had reported to them incidents of racism, inequalities or discrimination.

Equality and diversity group Plan4Sport, which carried out the review for funding body Sportscotland, found:


A lack of any equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) or anti-racist training in place for board, staff, volunteers, players, coaches or umpires;
No consistent mechanism or process for handling racist incidents;
A lack of diversity from board level to coaching;
Lack of transparency in the selection process in the talent pathway and the absence of a single uniform approach to selection.
The entire Cricket Scotland board resigned on Sunday, ahead of the report's publication, in response to the findings and recommendations from the review.

The operations of Cricket Scotland has now been placed in special measures, which means Sportscotland has effectively taken control until October 2023.

A new Cricket Scotland board must be in place by September 2022 and consist of 40% male and 40% female, with at least 25% from an ethnic minority.

Special measures are also being placed on the Western District Cricket Union, which has a temporary suspension from managing their own disciplinary matters, and must complete an independent review into its governance by the end of September.

Concerns referred to police

Almost 1,000 people gave evidence in the inquiry commissioned following allegations - some made by all-time leading wicket-taker Majid Haq - of racism and discrimination.

Mr Haq represented Scotland on more than 200 occasions but did not play again after being sent home from the 2015 World Cup. At the time he hinted he felt victimised on grounds of race.

Last year former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq told MPs that English cricket was "institutionally" racist.

His testimony led to changes in Yorkshire's leadership; Headingley being temporarily stripped of hosting international matches, and the England and Wales Cricket Board putting together a 12-point plan to tackle racism in the game.

A total of 68 concerns raised during the review in Scotland were referred for further inquiry, some to Police Scotland. They related to 31 allegations of racism against 15 different people, two clubs and one regional association.

One incident reported to the police has already led to a person appearing in court.

Louise Tideswell and Stewart Harris praised the bravery of participants who came forward.
Plan4Sport said its "view was clear" that the "governance and leadership practices of Cricket Scotland have been institutionally racist".

The body's director Louise Tideswell said that her team had seen bravery from "so many people" who had come forward to share stories that had "clearly impacted on their lives".

She added: "People who have loved cricket and, despite the many knockbacks, continued to try and make progress, umpires who committed so many hours even though promotion never came, and players who saw or heard racism and hostility, but kept coming back to play."

Ms Tideswell said that by failing to see problems, the leadership of the organisation"enabled a culture of racially aggravated micro-aggressions to develop".

However, she pointed out that there were "many outstanding clubs and individuals" delivering local programmes..

Sportscotland, which is run on Scottish government and National Lottery funding, provided more than £500,000 to Cricket Scotland between 2019 and 2020.

Stewart Harris, chief executive of Sportscotland, said the findings were "deeply concerning and in some cases shocking".

'Diversity just does not exist'
Campaigners Running Out Racism welcomed the report, saying it "confirms independently the issue we've been campaigning on for some months - that the sport we love has systematic failings in the way it treats people, on the basis of race".

Speaking on Good Morning Scotland, the group's Paul Reddish said: "At every level where the decision making happens diversity just does not exist."

He added that some of the issues in Scotland were raised before Assem Rafiq made a stand in England, and added: "It's just that they were not listened to."

Cricket Scotland's board resigned with immediate effect on Sunday morning, ahead of the report's publication.

A board statement said: "We are all truly sorry and have apologised publicly to everyone who has experienced racism, or any other form of discrimination, in cricket in Scotland."

However, they raised concerns that plans to find a speedy resolution to the racism issues, and to modernise the governance of the sport were "unachievable within the timetable proposed and the current governance framework".

Cricket Scotland's interim CEO Gordon Arthur issued a "heartfelt apology" saying the organisation vowed to implement the report recommendations in full and "repair the sport".

He said: "The racism and discrimination that has taken place in the sport that we all love should never have been allowed to happen, or to go unchallenged for so long."

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-62290554

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803;️ "I want to see proactive approaches"<br><br>Qasim Sheikh and Majid Haq call for action to be taken in Scottish Cricket after a review found that its governing body failed on almost all tests of institutional racism.<a href="https://t.co/wpFM2p7Hdx">pic.twitter.com/wpFM2p7Hdx</a></p>— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1551593908903223298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Azeem Rafiq said he was "incredibly proud" of former Scotland cricketers Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh for speaking out over the racist abuse they suffered during their international careers.

On Monday, the findings of an independent review into racism in Scottish cricket were published, with the governance and leadership practices of Cricket Scotland found to be institutionally racist.

Rafiq made his own allegations of institutional racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club after revealing in 2020 that he was suicidal due to the repeated racism he was subjected to while involved in cricket.

"I've got quite close to Majid and Qasim since I spoke out," Rafiq told Sky Sports. "I'm just incredibly proud of them and everyone else that played a part in the review.

"I hope today gives them some sense of closure and that they've been fully vindicated."

He added: "Today is a start. The one thing I would be a little bit hesitant about is let's not look too far into the future straight away.

"It's very important to stay in the problem. There's a lot of people that have suffered a lot of abuse over a lot of years.

"There's got to be an attempt to build those bridges back, speak to them, re-engage them, apologise. Once that is done, and only then, it's important to look to the future - and how we do that.

"As I've seen over the last nine months or so, there's a lot of words, a lot of ticked boxes and a lot of attempts to show that things are happening but actually, deep down, fundamentally things are not changing."

The review, conducted by Plan4Sport - an equality and diversity organisation - found 448 indicators of institutional racism. Of 31 'tests' used to measure the problem, Cricket Scotland - the game's governing body - failed on 29 and only partially met the required standard on the remaining two.

Participants in the survey cited:

Inappropriate use of language, in some cases, which would be racist but considered simply as "banter." Concern that sledging is being used as an excuse to racially abuse opposition players. Lack of understanding of the impact of language and behaviour on individuals. Inadequate systems to report racism on and off the pitch. No willingness, in some instances, to deal with discriminatory incidents. Lack of diversity of players, coaches nd umpires within the game.
Sixty-eight individual concerns have been referred for further investigation, including 31 allegations of racism against 15 different people, two clubs and one regional association.

But Rafiq doesn't think Cricket Scotland's funding should be cut at this stage, saying: "If there's an acceptance and an apology, then they need to supported to make sure the change comes - and comes quicker.

"If things don't change and if there's a resistance to change, then I think at that point sportscotland need to come down a lot harsher.

"But I think at this stage it's really important that we support the game in getting the change that we all want."

The review was undertaken following complaints of institutional racism by Majid and Qasim, both of whom said the issue had blighted their careers.

Majid, who played 54 one-day internationals and 21 T20Is for Scotland between 2002 and 2015, is the country's all-time leading wicket-taker, but was sent home from the 2015 Cricket World Cup after posting a tweet which said: "Always tougher when you're in the minority!"

Majid told Sky Sports: "It's a massive relief. I've been thinking about that for a long, long time, so for it to actually be confirmed in black and white, there in a report, I was very relieved when I heard the news.

"It just shows you that it's not just one or two individuals. There have been several hundreds of people who have helped shape this investigation. I've got to thank everyone who has come forward and been brave enough."

He added: "Getting sent home from a World Cup was a really tough time for me and my family. My mental health was at its lowest - I had thoughts of taking my own life.

"I spoke to a couple of members of the Cricket Scotland support staff about getting counselling, but their reply was, 'there's no funding available for psychological help', which was completely devastating at that time in my life, when I really needed somebody to speak to."

Scotland's all-time leading wicket-taker Majid Haq said Cricket Scotland was 'institutionally racist', opening up about the abuse he suffered during his career.

Majid also praised the role Rafiq had in getting him to come forward and share his experiences, saying: "This investigation wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for Azeem Rafiq's issue with Yorkshire.

"He deserves a lot of credit, he was almost by himself at times. He has gone through so much and, speaking to him, he is an amazing, amazing guy."

Qasim, who played seven one-day internationals for Scotland between 2008 and 2010, before seeing his international career ended at 25 after speaking out to the press, also praised Rafiq and hopes his stand against racism "goes down in history.''

"I think that young man is made of steel, to be honest," Qasim told Sky Sports. "He is extremely brave - the sheer backlash he has taken and the way he has not given up.

"I have got to know Azeem since the early days when he spoke out and I can call him a friend and like a younger brother now - although he is like the older brother, advising me, because he has been through these experiences.

"He is the catalyst of change in cricket. I hope his name goes down in history for the right reasons, that he changed cricket for the better.

"What he did has allowed the opportunity for the issues to be brought to light here in Scotland as well, and I'm grateful to him for that."

Qasim added: "It's a watershed moment for cricket in Scotland. A bittersweet moment, but at the same time, I'm relieved.

"We're not going to come back and play on a cricket pitch for Scotland tomorrow, but all I want to see is that current and future generations get fair and equal opportunity.

"That's the outcome I seek so I hope it's the start of positive things in Scottish cricket."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...-for-their-fight-against-institutional-racism

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Khawaja, Moeen Ali to a degree, come on man.

Khawaja is the most successful batter of South Asian origin and yes he's been an inspiration for all Australian players of South Asian origin yes. But don't think he's at the level of being called a great.

Although Adil Rashid is a better player than Moeen but Moeen has actually reached a level ahead after having captained the team. Even then, Nasser Hussain had been a bigger name than either in English Cricket and led English team for years. But even then, considering the amount of people of India/Pak/SL/Ban in England, there should be more than just a few names to have reached that level.

Regarding great players, I mean the level the likes of Amla or Rohan Kanhai reached. Moeen or Khawaja won't be considered amongst the best players of their respective countries and I am a big fan of both of them.

Even in Pakistan, I would say there would be much greater talent in the people of (religious bias) Christians, Hindus and Sikhs etc than those that have been able to reach the top level and made a big name of themselves.

The good thing about English cricket is there has been conscious effort of trying to get the players of color etc to a higher level and to help them not be discouraged to take up cricket as a profession.

 

[PakLFC]

Fewer brown faces in Scotland means there is greater institutional racism shoved under the carpet as "banter". This is a big blow for Scottish Cricket that will undo all the good work done over the years. Scottish Cricket has been exposed and humiliated, it has no where to hide now. This devastating reporting may very well effect the funding of the Sport.

 

[MenInG]

Cricket Scotland have made "progress" following an independent review into racism in within the sport, but have not met all their targets by Friday's deadline.

Following an in-depth process with close to 1,000 direct engagements, the report concluded that the governance and leadership practices of Cricket Scotland were institutionally racist.

Independent investigators had found 448 indicators of institutional racism, while Cricket Scotland failed on 29 of 31 'tests' used to measure the problem and only partially met the required standard on the other two.

Sixty-eight individual concerns were referred for further investigation, including 31 allegations of racism against 15 different people, two clubs and one regional association. The allegations included racial abuse, the use of inappropriate language, favouritism to young, white children from public schools and a lack of transparent selection process for non-white players. In some cases, multiple concerns have been raised against the same individual.

The review followed complaints of institutional racism by Scotland cricket internationals Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh.

Former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq, who was racially abused during his time as a player, encouraged more players to speak out in Scottish Cricket after its governing body failed on almost all tests of institutional racism.

Three immediate high-level recommendations were detailed in the report: Cricket Scotland is placed in special measures by sportscotland until at least October 2023, Cricket Scotland addresses the backlog in referrals generated from the review and Western District Cricket Union (WDCU) is placed in special measures by Cricket Scotland with immediate effect.

Four or the several recommendations are yet to be completed:

1 - Board recruitment

A target was set to appoint a new diverse board, after the previous one quit a day before the independent report was published. The board was required to consist of a minimum of 40 per cent men and 40 per cent women, and ensuring that a minimum of 25 per cent of the total board makeup came from of Black, South-East Asian, or other mixed or multiple ethnic groups.

It is expected this will now be completed by October 21, three weeks later than planned, while Sky Sports News understands a new independent chair could be in place well before then.

2 - Action plan

It was outlined Cricket Scotland must develop an action plan to address the immediate actions and short-term KPIs contained within the report. While this has not been met, it has been sent to Running out Racism and Sporting Equals for greater consultation prior to a final sign-off and will be published in the coming days.

'Everybody in the sport, at every level, has to look at the role they've played in this' said Cricket Scotland's interim chief executive Gordon Arthur following the review earlier this year

3 - Review into the Western District Cricket Union (WDCU)

An urgent and independent review into the overall effectiveness of the Western District Cricket Union committee's implementation of the disciplinary processes was required.

The union organises and promotes cricket to half the population of Scotland.

This has not been met. However, a new executive committee is in place, with half of those in place from ethnically diverse communities, and that independent review of disciplinary process will be completed by October 30.

4 - Referrals

Cricket Scotland were also required to address the backlog in referrals generated from the review. All 68 individual concerns that were referred for further investigation to organisations, including Police Scotland, are being independently looked at, with investigations underway where appropriate.

This process is led by sports law firm Harper MacLeod LLP, UK-wide race equality charity Sporting Equals, with support from anti-racism campaign group Running Out Racism.

Three areas that have been completed and remain ongoing include Cricket Scotland being placed in special measures by sportscotland - Scotland's national agency for sport. This will remain in place until October 2023.

The WDCU are also in special measures while the union's role in managing all disciplinary matters relating to its competitions and clubs has also been suspended, with those powers being handed to an alternative organisation to manage.

Dunlop: 'Racist abuse and discrimination unacceptable'

Chief Operating Officer of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: "In the eight weeks since publication of the Changing The Boundaries report, Cricket Scotland has made progress in several areas. However, it is important that further progress is achieved over the coming months to deliver the cultural change that we all want to see in Scottish cricket.

"The significance of the Cricket Scotland board appointments cannot be underestimated. The recruitment process for the independent chair and non-executive directors is ongoing and it is essential that Cricket Scotland appoints a diverse board that has the skillset to take the sport forward. That will be an important step in demonstrating real and meaningful change.

"It is unacceptable that anyone has experienced racist abuse and discrimination while playing cricket, and where that has been the case, steps must be taken to address the past. Referrals made as part of the review are now being reviewed and where appropriate investigated as part of a fully independent and robust process.

"Today's interim progress update and the associated Cricket Scotland short-term action plan must be followed up with robust actions and genuine cultural change within the sport. We will help Cricket Scotland to rebuild while keeping all options on the table to ensure they deliver on all recommendations in the Changing The Boundaries report."

Arthur: 'Much progress has been made'

Interim chief executive of Cricket Scotland, Gordon Arthur, said: "It has been a challenging two months for everyone at Cricket Scotland since Changing The Boundaries was published. A lot of good work has been done on the review process for referrals, the action plan, starting the long process to rebuild trust with our communities and to begin the change the culture that is needed in Cricket Scotland.

"This first of five quarterly reports demonstrates that much progress has been made, in addition to delivering 11 home international cricket matches, preparing the women's and men's international teams for World Cup qualifiers and the final weeks of the domestic season.

"We look forward to the appointment of a new board to help drive the work forward and are grateful for the ongoing support of sportscotland."

SKY

 

[MenInG]

Anjan Luthra has been appointed as Cricket Scotland's new chair for a two-year period as the organisation looks to rebuild after being found institutionally racist by an independent review.

Luthra, who played youth-level cricket for Scotland and now runs a London-based media company, says he was driven to take on the role after feeling "anger, deep upset and frustration" at 448 examples of institutional racism being uncovered within the Scottish game.

Cricket Scotland's previous board resigned shortly before the findings of the review were published, with Luthra telling Sky Sports News that his "No 1 priority" is to appoint an independent and diverse board of directors.

Scottish cricket found to be 'institutionally racist'
Majid Haq: 'Deafening silence' from players speaks volumes

Luthra said: "I have arrived in a very problematic, complicated situation and there are some deep problems, but I am very optimistic about the future and ready to rebuild the organisation. I am ready for the challenge.

"Why I got involved was driven and fuelled by my anger, deep upset and frustration about what I was hearing and reading from the report.

"The more I read and the more I spoke to people, the angrier and the more upset I got about the experiences the victims had gone through. That anger and frustration turned into the motivation to try and help.

"The why for me comes from an underlying passion to change the course of this organisation and make a level playing field for everyone playing cricket in Scotland.

"Cricket has been a major part of my life and I am excited to bring my experience across business, technology and sport to elevate Scottish cricket domestically and on the international stage.

"Major challenges and opportunities lie ahead and I am excited about what the future holds for Cricket Scotland."

Public comments from Majid Haq and former Scotland team-mate Qasim Sheikh had prompted the independent review.

Haq has welcomed Luthra's appointment and feels he will "aim for the top" as he tries to reform Scottish cricket.

Haq said: "It's one of the first days I have been quite positive about Scottish cricket for a long, long time. I hope he can carry the hope forward over the next couple of years and I'm pretty confident he can.

"He is young, very ambitious and has done a lot in his life already. He comes from a good family, has good morals, and is extremely competitive and will want the best.

"He will aim for the top and that's what we need in Scottish cricket because there is a lot of potential there."

Sheikh said: "I am excited about Anjan's appointment, he has good business acumen, has good contacts.

"There is opportunity to go to other corporate people and businesses who might be interested in getting involved.

"The Scottish women's team don't have any contracted players. There needs to be funding to support equality in that space as well."

Gordon Arthur, interim CEO of Cricket Scotland, added: "I congratulate Anjan for being appointed the new chair of Cricket Scotland.

"Anjan's appointment is a major step in moving Scottish cricket forward. He is accomplished, dynamic and entrepreneurial with ambitious plans to develop the game of cricket.

"He has vast experience in the business world and brings the perfect combination of skills, passion, experience and ambition."

The men's national team are currently preparing for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this month - a tournament they reached the second round of last year in the UAE - while they defeated England in a one-day international in Edinburgh in 2018.

Luthra added: "We have a lot of talent and potential in this country and we have had some great results as a nation over the last couple of years.

"In order to take the next step we need to commercialise and reduce the reliance on government funding. We have seen our counterparts in Ireland do it. They now have a purpose-built cricket stadium and infrastructure."

SKY

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

The chairman of Cricket Scotland has stepped down, five months after taking up the role and promising to clean up the sport's problem with racism.

BBC Scotland understands Anjan Luthra has decided to quit following a row about how much progress is being made.

A report last year said governance in the sport was institutionally racist.

It led to the formation of an anti-racism working group, but four members resigned after Mr Luthra claimed "significant progress" was being made.

Anti-racism organisation Running out Racism said this claim was tone deaf and "unsubstantiated nonsense".

Cricket Scotland said Mr Luthra had resigned as chair with immediate effect.

It said: "The organisation thanks Anjan for his hard work and input during his time as chair. Cricket Scotland will make no further comment at this stage."

Scottish cricket has been in crisis since an independent report on racism was highly critical of the governance of the organisation.

An anti-racism working group was formed at the end of last year following the publication of the report, which found 448 instances of racism in the sport.

In a six-month update, Mr Luthra said progress was being made and that he expected special measures imposed by funding body Sportscotland would be lifted.

He said Cricket Scotland would deliver the recommendations "to a high standard and beyond".

However, Running Out Racism contested his claims that the organisation had significantly improved its approach to equality, diversion and inclusion.

Four members then resigned from the working group - Scotland women's international Abtaha Maqsood; businessman Imran Khan; academic Khadija Mohammed; and Raza Sadiq, from Running Out Racism.

BBC Scotland also understands Cricket Scotland's anti-racism working group only met once.

Former players Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh, who were among those to raise concerns about racism in the sport, have also been critical of what they see as a lack of progress.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Former Scotland off-spinner Majid Haq was allegedly racially abused while he was umpiring a match at Greenock Cricket Club on Saturday, according to the lawyer representing the ex-player.

Aamer Anwar appears for Haq and another former international Qasim Sheikh, with the pair last year claiming Cricket Scotland was “institutionally racist” as well as being “unfit for purpose”.

Cricket Scotland insisted it “condemns in the strongest possible terms the behaviour that took place” this weekend as Anwar accused “cricketing trolls” of bringing “shame to the game”.

He said in a tweet on Sunday evening: “Yesterday my client Majid Haq was allegedly subjected to vile racist abuse whilst umpiring and an individual has been charged.

“Majid’s treatment has been horrific since speaking out at Cricket Scotland as for cricketing trolls still in denial, you bring shame to the game and are still in the dark ages.”

The allegations of Haq and Sheikh led to an independent review which uncovered 448 examples of racism within Cricket Scotland.

Anjan Luthra was appointed as the governing body’s new chair following the mass resignations that immediately preceded the publication of the damning report.

But Luthra resigned in March, less than six months after taking the role, as he claimed attempts to improve Cricket Scotland were being undermined by lobbyists.

A Cricket Scotland statement relating to the alleged racist abuse suffered by Haq read: “Cricket Scotland condemns in the strongest possible terms the behaviour that took place at Greenock on Saturday.

“Racism has no place in sport or society. It is a scar on cricket, and Cricket Scotland is wholly committed, along with our partners, to eradicating racist behaviour and attitudes from our game.

“As this incident is now part of a live criminal case, Cricket Scotland is unable to comment further.

“However, the governing body can confirm it is working in conjunction with the CSMOA (Cricket Scotland Match Officials Association), WDCU (Western District Cricket Union) and Greenock Cricket Club to ensure internal disciplinary proceedings proceed swiftly and appropriately, following due process.”

The Independent

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The Board of Cricket Scotland reiterates its apology to all who have been victims of racism and all other forms of discriminatory behaviour within our sport, following the conclusion of the independent referrals process.

After independent investigation of the referral cases, 13 were examined by the Conduct In Sport Manager for review. Five cases have progressed to Cricket Scotland’s disciplinary procedures.

All referrals were required to meet the following criteria in order to be progressed into Cricket Scotland’s disciplinary process:

1. Have sufficient evidence of a breach of rules;
2. Be clear what that rule is and that it was in place at the time, and;
3. Have the jurisdictional remit (or authority) to be able to take formal action and proceed to put the matter before a committee for a further hearing.

All complainants and respondents involved in concluded referral cases have now been communicated to formally.

It has always been the Board’s desire that correspondence to individuals involved in the referrals process, along with details of their cases, remain confidential. However, in light of recent media comment and in the interests of transparency, the Board wishes to provide some clarification.

Specifically in relation to John Blain’s recent media comments, the decision taken by the former Interim CEO of Cricket Scotland, to inform Mr Blain of the outcome of his cases was based on reasons we have reiterated to his legal representatives and are unable to comment on publicly.

In the interests of clarity, Mr Blain’s cases were not progressed further due to a combination of insufficient evidence, a lack of an applicable rule at the time of the complaint, and/or a lack of jurisdictional remit or authority to take formal action.

We have set out our position to Mr Blain and his representatives and are engaging with them directly regarding his media comments.

For two years, the governing body has worked in cooperation with all parties involved to review and implement the necessary governance improvements.

We have made significant changes to our leadership and board structures to address the recommendations: a commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive, welcoming and prosperous future for our sport.

This work is ongoing and will require the collective support of sportscotland and multiple partners to maintain the progress made.

Wilf Walsh, Chair of Cricket Scotland: “The impact of historic racist behaviours on individual cricketers and others involved in the sport have left a long-lasting scar on our game. This has been an unacceptable and deeply regrettable period for Scottish cricket, and we are truly sorry to all those who have suffered.

“In a number of referral cases, there was either insufficient evidence to proceed, or we did not have the jurisdiction or the remit to take action and move matters into our disciplinary process based on the rules at the time of the alleged incidents. The new Board has ensured that this is remedied within our current articles of association and disciplinary procedures.

“It is the Board’s wish that reconciliation and where necessary, independent mediation is accepted by those involved, for the good of individual personal relationships and for the good of the sport in Scotland.

“The best interests of the game’s future in our country – for participants of all ages, backgrounds and abilities – can only truly be served by a period of stability, to allow the restoration of relationships and respectability.

“We are determined to be positive role models for sport in Scotland and strive to be a best practice national governing body.”

Trudy Lindblade, Cricket Scotland CEO: “It is clear that there are no ‘winners’ from this damaging and divisive period for cricket in Scotland. Since joining in February this year, I know for a fact that Cricket Scotland has been driven to learn from mistakes of the past to ensure they do not happen again.

“The legacy of the referrals process will be the wholesale restructuring of Cricket Scotland for the benefit of all within our sport. For that I would thank all of those who have come forward to share their experiences of institutional racism and other forms of discrimination, for their bravery in speaking out, and for their contribution to helping improve our sport.

“I, along with the Board, want cricket to become the most inclusive and welcoming sport in Scotland. Furthermore, I am determined that Cricket Scotland becomes a governing body we can be proud of; one that respects and values every individual within cricket, regardless of their background, identity, and beliefs, and is trusted to lead.

“However, I am fully aware of the amount of time and work that this will take, in particular in restoring trust to the people and communities who have suffered most.

“We greatly appreciate the support of our partners as we carry out this work, particularly sportscotland who have invested time and resource in helping to ensure the governing body could operate efficiently during this period.”

“I ask everyone within our game to embrace the improvements that have been made and those that are yet to come and work together with us to make cricket a place for all.”

 

[The Bald Eagle]

A Scotland international cricketer has threatened legal action against the sport’s governing body after claiming he was the victim of racial discrimination

Hamza Tahir, who was capped 49 times, claims he was unfairly dismissed and has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 28.

The bowler was speaking at a news conference where other former players and campaigners criticised Cricket Scotland’s handling of allegations of racism within the sport.

The organisation has repeated its apology to anyone who was the victim of racism and says five cases are going through a disciplinary process.

Mr Tahir claimed his international playing career had been held back by prejudice but that he had now decided "enough is enough".

He said he had lodged a grievance and was prepared to pursue an unfair dismissal case after his contract was not renewed earlier this year.

As a south Asian cricketer, he said he had to "work twice as hard to be on the same level as others, to get he same opportunities as others on big stages, being treated differently with many obstacles being put in my place".

Lawyer Aamer Anwar was joined by cricketers Hamza Tahir (third from left), Majid Haq (second from right) and anti-racism campaigners at the news conference

A second former Scotland cricketer, Majid Haq, also spoke at the news conference. He criticised the governing body for urging mediation rather than taking disciplinary action in response to complaints. "The victims can only move on once people have been held to account," he said.

"Moving on suggests forgetting about what has happened but you can't just forget" Lawyer Aamer Anwar, representing the cricketers, accused the sport's governing body of using "lack of jurisdiction" as an excuse of failing to take action. He said there was a "toxic culture of denial" and lack of support for people who made complaints, which was driving people away from the sport.

"You get to the point where you think there's no point in carrying on, and you leave and they get their end result," he said.
"They get their all-white team practically, they get their racially-segregated team."

'Cleared' Scotland cricketer Blain criticises delay in racism report. Cricket Scotland criticised over 'progress' claims. Two years ago, complaints by Majid Haq and another former Scotland player Qasim Sheikh prompted an independent review which found that the governance and leadership of cricket in Scotland was institutionally racist.

The Changing the Boundaries report, carried out by a consultancy for national sports agency SportScotland, listed 448 examples of racism and discrimination.

A day ahead of the report's publication, the entire board of Cricket Scotland resigned.

However, the cricketing community in Scotland remains deeply divided over the issue. A former chairman of Cricket Scotland, Tony Brian, has denied the institutional racism finding and questioned the robustness of the review.

Source: BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Cricket Scotland investigates director over 'very serious issues'

Cricket Scotland has launched a formal investigation into one of its directors over what it describes as "very serious issues".

The governing body is acting after receiving information about the director, who it has declined to name in a statement which revealed it had begun an inquiry.

"The Board of Cricket Scotland is committed to tackling all forms of discrimination, ensuring that our sport is safe, welcoming, inclusive, and open to all, and is determined to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to racism, sexism, and all forms of unacceptable behaviour," the statement read.

"As this is now a live investigation and concerns very serious issues, no further comment will be made at this time."

Running out Racism, a group that campaigns to eradicate racism in Scottish cricket, has released a statement calling on Cricket Scotland to look into historic social media posts published by one of its board members.

Cricket Scotland has undergone a major overhaul in governance after an independent report completed in 2022 found hundreds of examples of institutional racism.

Cricket Scotland investigates director over 'very serious issues'

Cricket Scotland statement: The Board of Cricket Scotland is committed to tackling all forms of discrimination, ensuring that our sport is safe, welcoming, inclusive, and open to all. As this is now a live investigation and concerns very serious issues, no further comment will be made.

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