Cricket Scotland found to be institutionally racist in an independent review

On Monday (25 July), the final report of independent reviewers found Cricket Scotland to be involved in 448 examples of institutional racism. 

Plan4Sport, consisting of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion experts, were authorized by Sportscotland to conduct the research in December last year. 

The review was conducted by Sportscotland following the complaints from the country’s former cricketers, Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh. 

In a total of 31 Tests conducted by Plan4Sport, Scottish cricket failed in 29 of them. 

The board members of Cricket Scotland resigned yesterday ahead of the publication of the report.  

Main problems cited in the research 

The reviewers led a detailed investigation into domestic players, staff, national players, board members, coaches, and match officials. A total of 1,000 individuals were involved over six months. 

63% of the participants have found or reported to have faced incidents of inequalities. 

Below are a few of the key problems:

• Lack of Diversity of players and coaches. 

• Sledging to racially abuse the players. 

• Favouritism for white players. 

• No willingness to deal with discrimination. 

Three Immediate Recommendations by Reviewers

• Cricket Scotland has been put under special measures until October 2023. 

• The new board will consist of a minimum of 40% men and 40% women, with 25% coming from black or South-east Asian groups. 

• Cricket Scotland has been told to address the referrals generated in the findings no later than September 30. 

Watershed moment for Cricket Scotland

Cricket Scotland Interim CEO, Gordon Arthur said, “This report is a watershed moment for cricket in Scotland and taking its recommendations forward is the top priority. It’s clear that significant cultural change must happen and it must happen quickly.”

“The immediate priority must be to get the independent referral process agreed and implemented so the investigations into the referrals can start,” he added. 

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