Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – The UK has come a long way in regards to diversity and inclusion, in recent years with the appointment of those in minorities to key positions in the government.
A new “landmark” report has made suggestions of continuing historic racism, elitism, and sexism prevalent in English and Welsh cricket was co-led by a University College London (UCL) researcher.
The commission had noted a culture where discrimination regularly occurs with no major challenge, and prevailing attitudes of interpersonal racism, sexism as well as other discriminatory practices occur regularly.
The report encompasses an extensive set of 44 recommendations aimed at fostering inclusivity within the sport of cricket. These recommendations tackle various aspects of the game and address historical neglect and discrimination, while also seeking to create a more equitable future.
The report’s 44 recommendations serve as a comprehensive blueprint to make cricket a more inclusive sport. By addressing historical discrimination, promoting diversity, and providing equal opportunities, these recommendations aim to create a cricketing landscape that embraces and values every individual, regardless of their background. The implementation of these recommendations has the potential to transform cricket into a game that reflects the true spirit of inclusivity and equality.
Dr Michael Collins of UCL History says “The historical injustices suffered within the game of cricket by black Britons in the postwar period – so many lives ruined – may be acknowledged, but can never be fully compensated for. Even so, we must build a better future for the current and next generations.”
The report further indicated that there was an elitist and exclusionary culture inside the sport giving preference to private school networks among the cricket talent pathways. Professional players were mainly found to be privately educated, and there were far lesser chances for state school attendees and individuals of other backgrounds to end up as professional players. Bringing in players from expanded backgrounds is likely to have advantages to the sport directly, as it can broaden the talent pool to get players from.
