Report into English cricket uncovers rampant 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 Sun reports.

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The damning 317-page report lists a whopping 44 recommendations — and brought a grovelling apology from ECB chair Richard Thompson.

“Cricket should be a game for everyone and this has not always been the case,” Thompson said.

“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.

“This report makes clear historic structures and systems have failed to prevent discrimination and highlights the pain and exclusion this has caused.”

Of the more than 4,000 individuals interviewed for the ICEC report, 50 per cent described experiencing discrimination in the previous five years, with the figures substantially higher for people from ethnically diverse communities.

Women were often treated as “second-class citizens”, the report found, also stating that not enough had been done to address class barriers, with private schools dominating the pathway into cricket.

“Our findings are unequivocal,” said ICEC chair Cindy Butts. “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.” A total of 44 recommendations have been made, including a call for equal pay for male and female international players by 2030.

– 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 said the organisation would “use this moment to reset cricket”.

“On behalf of the ECB and wider leadership of the game, I apologise unreservedly to anyone who has ever been excluded from cricket or made to feel like they don’t belong,” he said.

“Cricket should be a game for everyone, and we know that this has not always been the case.

“Powerful conclusions within the report also highlight that for too long women and black people were neglected. We are truly sorry for this.” Six former Yorkshire players found guilty of using racist language in the Rafiq case were last month fined by the Cricket Discipline Commission.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan was cleared of using racist language “on the balance of probabilities” after opting to defend himself at a hearing in March

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Report into English cricket exposes rampant racism,  misogyny and elitism