Cricket bosses commit to "tangible action" tackling discrimination

It's after former player Azeem Rafiq spoke out about racism he experienced at Yorkshire

Azeem Rafiq gave a powerful testimony of his experience of racism at Yorkshire this week
Author: Seb CheerPublished 19th Nov 2021

Cricket bosses have committed to action stamping out discrimination, following the sport's racism scandal.

It was brought to light after former player Azeem Rafiq spoke out about racism he experienced at Yorkshire.

A meeting has taken place, between the England and Wales Cricket Board, alongside groups representing players and the amateur game.

In a joint statement, the ECB, the MCC, the PCA, NCCA and the First Class and Recreational County Cricket network, said:

“Azeem Rafiq has shone a light on our game that has shocked, shamed and saddened us all.

“Racism and discrimination is a blight on our game. To Azeem and all those who have experienced any form of discrimination, we are truly sorry. Our sport did not welcome you, our game did not accept you as we should have done. We apologise unreservedly for your suffering.

“We stand together against discrimination in all its forms, and are united as a sport to act. We will continue to listen, and make swift, positive changes to the culture of the game. We will embrace and celebrate differences everywhere, knowing that with diversity, we are stronger.

“Today, as a game, we discussed a series of tangible commitments to make cricket a sport where everyone feels safe, and everyone feels included. We will now finalise the detail and publish these actions next week.

“Our game must win back your trust.”

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