CRICKET is in a state of shock today after a devastating report accused the English game of racism, misogyny and elitism.
The Independent Commission for Equality in Cricket found divisions exist at EVERY level — from village greens to the international arena.
The damning 317-page report lists a whopping 44 recommendations — and brought a grovelling apology from ECB chair Richard Thompson.
He said: “Cricket should be a game for everyone and this has not always been the case.
“I apologise unreservedly to anyone who has ever been excluded from cricket or made to feel they don’t belong.
“Powerful conclusions within the report also highlight that, for too long, women and black people were neglected. We are truly sorry for this.
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“This report makes clear historic structures and systems have failed to prevent discrimination and highlights the pain and exclusion this has caused.”
Among the 52 named individuals who contributed to the ICEC report are England captains past and present Ben Stokes, Heather Knight, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan.
Non-white people spoke of being targeted and abused, while women said they have been treated like second-class citizens.
The ICEC report, published just 48 hours before tomorrow’s Ashes Test at Lord’s, concludes:
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– Racism is entrenched in English cricket.
– Women are marginalised and routinely experience sexism and misogyny.
– Class barriers are not addressed.
– The complaints system is not fit for purpose.
– Equality, diversity and inclusion must be improved.
Thompson added: “I am determined this wake-up call should not be wasted.
“We will use this moment to demonstrate that it is a game for all. We have a duty to put this right.”
The recommendations include levelling women’s and men’s pay and the setting up of an independent regulatory body.
ICEC chair Cindy Butts said: “Our findings are unequivocal. Racism, class-based discrimination, elitism and sexism are widespread and deep-rooted.
“The game must face up to the fact that it’s not banter or just a few bad apples. Discrimination is both overt and baked into the structures and processes within cricket.
“The stark reality is cricket is not a game for everyone.”
Speaking just minutes ahead of the report’s publication, England vice-captain Ollie Pope said: “We want to have the whole country to choose from, not just a certain group of people.
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"That’s something we talk about as a team.”
ECB chief exec Richard Gould added: “This is a seminal moment. We are determined to deliver on the report.”
John Etheridge’s View
HERE are a couple of questions. How many times have Eton played Harrow at Lord’s and how many women’s Test matches have been played at Lord’s?
The annual cricket match between the country’s two ultimate toff schools – with 27 Prime Ministers between them – has been hosted at the Home of Cricket since 1822.
When MCC announced last year the fixture would be moved from Lord’s, a members’ uprising forced the decision to be overturned. Eton v Harrow would continue at Lord’s at least until 2027.
And the number of women’s Tests held at Lord’s? Zero.
Crikey, until 1999, women – apart from the Queen – were not even allowed in the pavilion at Lord’s.
So sexism and elitism run through the history of cricket. And now the full extent of racism has been exposed by the ICEC report.
It is shocking and disgusting.
I have spent my whole life in cricket and, while most people I encounter are not racist or sexist, such sentiments do exist. The situation is changing, enlightenment thankfully overcoming bigotry.
But there is still much to do. Cricket has no option but to suck it up, accept the criticism and make damn sure it opens the arms of welcome. From today.
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