CORE reports findings on racism in cricket to the national Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket (ICEC)

In April 2022 Bristol’s Mayoral Commission on Race Equality (CoRE) submitted findings of its enquiry into reports of racism in cricket to the national Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket (ICEC).

Commissioners undertaking the review found evidence that issues identified elsewhere in the country can be seen in the local game in the Bristol region. These issues include people from

minority backgrounds leaving the game due to their experiences of racism, a fear amongst Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background communities of sharing their experiences, a sense that non-white clubs are treated differently to predominantly white clubs and concerns about unfit practices and procedures in recreational cricket for handling complaints.

The enquiry was led by three Commissioners. Our review followed in the aftermath of the high-profile cases of racism brought against Yorkshire County Cricket Club by former professional cricketer Azeem Rafiq. The Commissioners set out with the aim to play their part to help make racial equality a reality in cricket in the Bristol region. Museji Ahmed Takolia CBE, Chair of the Commission on Race Equality, said: “We have acted to bridge divides and bring clubs and the game’s administrators together. Our approach was to research and hear the experiences of people involved at all levels in the game and I am very grateful to those who chose to speak with us and share their thoughts and feelings. Whilst we did not set out to investigate the issues identified, the body of testimony we’ve gathered provides an invaluable insight that clearly identifies areas of focus for further investigation.

“The foundation of the evidence provided to the ICEC is the relationships we’ve established with clubs and regional organisers of the game. The dialogue we’re developing offers opportunities to introduce resolute action towards positive change that leaders and representatives of the game can engage with. With an emphasis on engagement, CoRE’s offer was one of support, guidance, and advice, with a particular eye on developing positive action locally e.g., the Bristol & District (B&D) and the West of England Premiere League (WEPL) in particular. We can confidently report that this dialogue is active, and progress is evident.

“All of those in the leadership session were open to and requested further assistance from CoRE with their EDI policies, and we hope to connect clubs with local community organisations to address issues around diversity and inclusion, not only for players but also for leadership and administration in the sport. More engagement with community organisations will demonstrate to communities that clubs want to make change.”

To gather the testimony and experiences required to develop the Commission’s understanding of the local game, two evidence gathering sessions were held. The first was with individuals from local cricket clubs, the second with the leadership of local and regional cricket boards. In terms of the latter, the Commissioners were keen to hear from the game’s leadership in the region and therefore corresponded with chair and CEO levels. A third evidence gathering session was held with a club in October 2022.

The Commission’s findings were submitted to the ICEC on 29 April 2022. The ICEC has been set up under the aegis of the England & Wales Cricket Board. Our submission to the ICEC forms part of their national call for evidence. The examples summarised for the ICEC from our first evidence gathering sessions with players and clubs make for harrowing reading and further reinforces the need for the ICEC’s enquiry. A summary of these accounts is provided below. Our current understanding is that the ICEC will not be publishing its report until early in 2023.

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “We set up the Commission on Race Equality to bring together the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to identify and challenge racial inequality in all areas across the city. The Commission is independent and plays a vital role in increasing the power, representation and influence of Black, Asian Minority Ethnic people in the city to deliver a fairer Bristol for all. Their enquiry into reports of racism in cricket in the region is a prime example of the work the Commission should be undertaking to meet these aims.

“Racism exists across society, so the concerns about racism in local cricket are not surprising, however the case of Azeem Rafiq and other stories show that we have deep issues that we need to address in the infrastructure around the game. This report is a difficult read for many inside the sport, but we need to take on the challenging conversations and continue to make the sport more inclusive and representative. I’m encouraged by the dialogue established with the game’s leadership at both professional and amateur levels and

hope the report will strengthen this. The appointment of David “Syd” Lawrence as the President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club is also welcome, bringing more diverse experiences to lead the needed modernisation of the sport and its structures. Findings from the review point to the issues being faced having an impact on the game in the city and there being a clear disparity between the professional game and local cricket.

Museji Ahmed Takolia continued: “People from minority ethnic backgrounds are leaving cricket due to the stress as well as mental ill-health and effect on their wellbeing from the persistent highly racialised microaggressions, to overt racism. Those who stay, do not enjoy the game as they used to. A focus on the younger generations is required to stamp out these microaggressions that transfer from generation to generation within clubs. It is fair to say that our initial findings have shocked the game’s leaders and administrators. We highlight just how far behind the recreational game is compared to the professional levels of the sport and in particular between the pronouncements from national leadership and governing bodies in the professional game and the culture that defines the game locally.

“We are genuinely encouraged by the willingness of the game’s leadership to accept our assistance and support the development of equality, diversity and inclusion in the game. We hope to connect clubs with local community organisations to address issues around diversity and inclusion, not only for players but also for leadership and administration in the sport. More engagement with community organisations will demonstrate to communities that clubs want to make change.”

The Commission’s report also takes the opportunity to celebrate examples of good practice, such as African Caribbean Engagement (ACE) programme. The ACE Programme aims to support diverse talent from the grassroots to the elite through talent pathways, elite academies, and workforce development using the wider game to support reconnection with the Black community. The programme can help ensure a diverse community from players to coaches at the recreational and professional game. These programmes are bolstered by other positive developments like the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation’s aims to address racism through their “GRACE” campaign which has been launched already. The anti-discrimination campaign outlines 5 principles, one of which specifically states, “Racism has no place in Gloucestershire Cricket”.