ECB apologies for discrimination following ICEC report

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday apologised “unreservedly” to those that confronted discrimination within the recreation after the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) launched a report discovering proof of racism throughout the game.

The report discovered the cricket boards had failed to stop “structural and institutional racism, sexism and class-based discrimination”, and the ECB acknowledged the necessity for change.

The ECB mentioned it’s going to work alongside representatives from the game and construct a plan of motion within the subsequent three months, which can align with the ICEC’s 44 suggestions.

“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,” ECB chair Richard Thompson mentioned in an announcement.

“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.”

Thompson added that the session course of could be led by Clare Connor, Deputy CEO, with the help of a sub-group of the Board together with Zahida Manzoor, Pete Ackerley, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Ron Kalifa, Richard Gould and himself.

The Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee additionally commented on the report, reasserting that there’s a deep-seated drawback of racism in cricket whereas recognising the necessity for the ECB to realign and in search of to make sure it delivers on its commitments.

“The volume of evidence, not only of racial discrimination, but also of sexism and elitism, is unacceptable in a sport that should be for all, and must now be a catalyst for change,” CMS Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage mentioned in an announcement.