'Truly Sorry...' - Heather Knight Admits Racism Charge Before Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Heather Knight to lead England in T20 World Cup 2024 (x.com)
England women’s captain Heather Knight has been handed a £1000 suspended fine by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC). She was reprimanded by the commission for a photo of her in ‘blackface’ from 2012. The controversial photo, considered as ‘racist’ by the committee, was taken by a third party during a fancy-dress event at the Kent Cricket Club.
While Heather Knight did not post the photo in contention on any social media platforms, she has accepted the charges and has apologized for her conduct.
Heather Knight accepts charges for decade-old misconduct
England’s middle-order batter Heather Knight has accepted the charges over the ‘blackface’ photo of her from 2012, back when she was 21. In an official statement released via the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the 33-year-old cricketer said:
“I'm truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012. It was wrong, and I have long regretted it.”
Heather Knight added that she was not as educated to the “implications and consequences” of her actions at the time, and she meant no ill-intent towards anyone.
Dave Lewis, interim director of the Cricket Regulator, said that while Heather Knight’s behavior was “discriminatory and offensive”, she had no racist intent in her conduct. Lewis also welcomed her apology and also considered that the offence took 12 years ago back in 2012.
Heather Knight is currently bracing up to lead the England women’s cricket team at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE. The English team is clubbed in Group B of the tournament alongside Scotland, South Africa, West Indies and ‘designated hosts’ Bangladesh.
Heather Knight and co. will play their opening match of the competition on October 5 by going up against Bangladesh at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.