English cricket suffers from "widespread and deep-rooted" racism, sexism, elitism and class-based discrimination at all levels of the game and urgently needs reform, a report has found.
The 317-page report from the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (Icec), which drew on evidence from more than 4,000 players, coaches, administrators and fans, also urges the sport to face up to the fact "that it's not banter or just a few bad apples" causing the problems.
The England and Wales Cricket Board responded to the report by issuing an unreserved apology for its failure to adequately tackle discrimination and said the findings were "a seminal moment". It pledged to respond to 44 recommendations made by Icec within three months.
However, Cindy Butts, the Icec chair, said fundamental change was needed quickly. "Our findings are unequivocal," she said. "Discrimination is both overt and baked into the structures and processes within cricket. The stark reality is cricket is not a game for everyone. Racism, class-based discrimination, elitism and sexism are widespread and deep rooted. The game must face up to the fact that it's not banter or just a few bad apples." The report, which is one of the most devastating published critiques of a British sports body, lays bare the game's failings and finds:
● Racism is "entrenched" in cricket. "It is not confined to 'pockets'," the report states, "nor is it limited to individual incidents of misconduct." The Icec found that 87% of people of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage who responded to its survey, along with 82% of Indian and of Black respondents, said they had experienced discrimination.
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