English Cricket commits to combating discrimination after urgent conference

Following a gamewide meeting at The Oval, English Cricket committed to taking wide-ranging action to tackle discrimination and promote inclusion and diversity at all levels.

The ECB, MCC, the PCA, NCCA and the First Class and Recreational County Cricket network were called to an urgent meeting in the wake of recent revelations about discrimination in the game.

The stakeholders have committed to tangible action and discussed several areas of focus including stamping out discrimination, making cricket more open and inclusive and ensuring effective governance and leadership.

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The group says they have worked through a series of actions that aim to tackle the serious questions being asked of the sport.

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Each of the representatives agreed to consult with their stakeholders before coming together for another gamewide conference next week when further details will be published.

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The ECB, MCC, the PCA, NCCA and the First Class and Recreational County Cricket network, said in a statement: “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.

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“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.

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“Our game must win back your trust.”