In another illustration of the difficulties facing cricket, the newly established equality commission for cricket received complaints over racism that involved every first-class country in the past fortnight.
Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), opened a survey online on November 9, and was overwhelmed by the responses. There were allegations that players or former players have acted in racist ways.
When they met last Friday at the Oval to discuss racism, the county chairmen spoke out about how they each have their own issues.
After Azeem Rahiq’s testimony (above), all 18 countries are implicated in scandals in cricket.
The counties have provided details on their plans to deal with the problem following Azeem Rafiq’s testimony in the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select panel hearing.
In addition to setting ambitious targets in racial/gender diversity, the 12-point action plan with the ECB includes harsher sanctions, such financial penalties, and loss of international matches, for those countries that fail to achieve them.
In March, the ECB created ICEC under Cindy Butts as a chair to assess the situation of equality in the sport. She is also a Kick It Out trustee. Cindy Butts is also a lay member of House of Lords Conduct Committee.
The equality committee for cricket has received numerous complaints over racism in every first-class country during the past two weeks
A report by ICEC will be released next summer following the call for evidence. Rafiq’s disclosures will put pressure on the ECB to fully implement their recommendations.
Yorkshire reported that 36 people had complained of racism at Headingley after they launched a whistleblowing hotline.
Mohinderpal Sethi QC from Littleton Chambers was appointed to oversee an independent investigation into all the allegations.
Lord Patel (New Yorkshire Chairman) stated, “It’s essential that people who have witnessed, or experienced, racism, discrimination or abuse be able come forward and share their experiences.” “I would like to thank everyone who has contacted this hotline.”
Lord Patel, New Yorkshire Chairman, stated that it was essential for anyone who has witnessed or been affected by racism to speak out.
To accommodate the UK TV audience, England’s Twenty20 internationals may be moved ahead by 2 hours.
In January, the five matches would have been scheduled for 6pm (10pm GMT). However, armchair supporters in England might be able to watch them at 1am or later.
The Cricket West Indies is currently in negotiations with the ECB to move to afternoon starts. This will increase viewership and attract advertisers and sponsors.
The next England Twenty20 internationals may move forward by two hours in Barbados, England.
Because of the strong following that the England team brings with them, the hosts consider the British market key.
BT Sport will screen England’s Caribbean Tour. The tour is divided between the T20 series (January) and a return for three tests in March. Joe Root’s Team will attempt to avenge that 2-1 defeat at the hands West Indies.
The fixtures were listed on the ECB website as being at 10pm, but have been changed to TBC.
Dale Benkenstein is believed to be the favourite to win the Gloucestershire coaching job.
After separating from South Africa, Benkenstein (47) quit coaching Hampshire midway through 2016 season.
Richard Gibson – Additional reporting