Former Hampshire cricketer John Holder has slammed the chairman of Middlesex CCC for his incendiary comments on diversity in the sport.
Mr Holder, the only non-white Test umpire Britain has ever produced, said Mike O’Farrell’s testimony to a racism inquiry was ‘utter horse muck’.
Yesterday, he blasted his club chief for speaking out against the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
O’Farrell later apologized for claiming there wasn’t enough diversity in cricket because black people preferred to play rugby and soccer, and South Asian communities were better educated.
Following a backlash from politicians, sportsmen and fans, he stated he was devastated by his comments.
The inquiry was answered by him. He explained that the sport is of less importance because it takes more time.
Mr O’Farrell claimed men and women from the Afro-Caribbean community join the football and rugby because it ‘becomes much more attractive’.
According to him, South Asians “do not wish to take the same amount of time as it is to move on to the next stage” because of educational reasons.
The immediate reaction was one of outrage as politicians, players and fans criticized the “lazy stereotype”.
Azeem Rafiq (ex-spinner from Yorkshire), whose testimony led to the investigation into the sport’s condition, stated that it “confirmed the endemic problem” the game faces.
The England and Wales Cricket Board had just updated their 12-point plan for tackling racism and discrimination.
The document included details on a review of ‘dressing room culture’ and a standardised approach to whistleblowing.
Holder was the first non-white British Test umpire. Yesterday’s photograph of Mike O’Farrell’s testimony at a racism inquiry is ‘utter horsemuck’.
Azeem Rafiq, an ex-spinner from Yorkshire (pictured), was the one who testified that the inquiry ‘confirmed’ the problem.
Mister Holder, who was the latest to attack Mr O’Farrell’s claim as “complete garbage”, attacked Mr O’Farrell’s assertions.
GMB reported that he said:[The comments]It really is utter horsemuck from the Middlesex chairman.
“I arrived here in the 1960s, and there was an era in football when it was believed that black people did not have the ability, the team spirit, or the desire to play pro football.
What has been happening in the English football league? You can see that a large number of players in the English football league are black.
“There was a time when education had been widely believed for years that black students were mentally subnormal, and almost impossible to educate. It is completely absurd.
It comes after Mr O’Farrell offered his ‘wholehearted apologies’ in a statement through Middlesex last night.
He said: ‘First and foremost, I wish to offer my wholehearted apologies for the misunderstanding that my comments made at this morning’s DCMS Select Committee hearing have evidently caused.
“I accept wholeheartedly that the misunderstanding resulted from my lack of understanding and context. I regret that some people have drawn such harsh conclusions from my comments.
“Although I am clarifying, my intention was to show that, as a game of cricket, it has consistently failed to give young cricketers the same opportunity that other sectors or sports so effectively provide.
“Cricket must take full responsibility for the failures of the game and make it attractive to young people from all walks to play the path to professional cricket, just like in other sectors and sports. The game will not make the necessary progress until that happens.
“We are not different at Middlesex. The Academy has more than 60 percent British-born Asian/black young cricketers. It is our responsibility to ensure that professional sport remains accessible and attractive.
“I speak for all of us at the Club when we say our wish is that a Club first eleven will be present to play. This would reflect the diverse country that Middlesex is. And that is what we are going to do.
“Once more, I apologize for any hurt or upset my previous comments might have caused. That was definitely not my intent.”
Mr O’Farrell, who has been Middlesex chairman since 2017, had been speaking in front of the DCMS Committee as part of the inquiry into racism in cricket.
The chairmen of Middlesex, Yorkshire, Hampshire and Glamorgan were summoned to the House of Commons to give their take on racism in cricket.
Rafiq and other players claimed they had been victims of racism in their clubs. This led to the formation of this committee.
Mr O’Farrell said: ‘There’s quite a diverse range of activities we’ve been doing. There is a section for women. We also have a centre that specializes in women’s cricket.
“And there is a section specifically for youth cricket. Although this process is faster than usual, it has been in development for some time.
He said, “The second thing about the diversity is that the football and rugby games become much more appealing to the Afro Caribbean community.”
“And for the South Asian community, there is a time when they are finding out that they don’t necessarily want to dedicate the same time as it is required to get to the next step. They prefer – not always saying that they do – to pursue other educational areas.
“Then cricket is secondary.” It’s a time-consuming sport that takes up more of your time than other sports.
“So, we find that it’s hard. That’s all changing now, with both the T20 sports and the one-day games.
“But, we now find that the circle is complete because the game becomes more visible.
The South Asian community is finding that there’s more to choose from and more variation, which makes it more attractive for young people, particularly women.
“So, we’re moving it forward. We’re not able to move it as quickly as we would like, but we are trying to take advantage of every opportunity we have.
Fans and players quickly took his comments to heart, accusing him of being a stereotypical player.
Rafiq tweets: “This just confirms what an endemic problem this game has. I really can’t believe the things I’m hearing.” #GiveMeStrength.’
Former England player Ebony Rainford-Brent said: ‘Honestly these outdated views in the game are exactly why we are in this position.
The decision-makers continue to believe these myths. Really, the game deserves better.
Aatif Nawaz, commentator posted that he was disappointed to hear these comments this morning from the Chair.
“Desperately out-of-touch, making excuses instead of offering solutions. London’s diversity is far too great for administrators to rely on old stereotypes.
According to the Caribbean Cricket Podcast, “The claim that Asian cricketers prefer academics is a lame stereotype because many English players have degrees and continue their careers as professional cricketers.”
“There’s a bigger issue with accessibility and routes for Asians living in the UK.
“The belief that Afro-Caribbeans would prefer to play football is yet another lazy stereotype meant to obscure wider social issues such as class, access and race in Britain.
Nikesh rughani added another comment on Twitter, “Mike! You’re way out of date.” It’s not clear.
This is an example showing what is wrong in English domestic cricket. Many people, like Mike are stuck in the 1970s.
John Mann was an Independent Adviser for the UK Government regarding Antisemitism. He stated that “anyone who believes that racism in cricket can be confined only to Yorkshire is unfortunately deluded.” Does he think he is not being torn down by the committee
Labour MP Lucy Powell asked: “What?!?” Is the chairman of Middlesex CC unaware that racism’s root is in stereotypes?
The term “Dinosaur is hard to explain.” Cricket has an ingrained problem with racism.
Meanwhile the ECB updated its 12-point action plan to tackle racism and discrimination, including details on a review of ‘dressing room culture’.
After a few players claimed they had been victims of racism in their clubs, the plan was revealed in November.
Clare Connor (english’s managing director of women’s, men’s, and international cricket) will oversee the review. Ashley Giles is also involved.
The ECB said: ‘The review will commence in February and run across the 2022 season (when dressing rooms are active) with the final report due in September.’
The end of February will see the establishment of an independent whistleblowing mechanism with standardised procedures to investigate complaints.
The governing body also said that a new anti-discrimination unit will begin operating in May.
She continued “Work continues on the definition of the resources and capabilities that the ECB’s anti-discrimination group will require.
“The unit will be working with the professional team to eliminate discrimination, while providing guidance throughout cricket.
The ECB said that Kick It Out was also working with it to promote inclusive cricketing.
England and Wales Cricket Board’s 12-point action plan to tackle racism and discrimination in the sport
Today, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), is publishing an update about the execution of cricket’s plan to combat racism and foster inclusion and diversity at every level of the game. This action plan was first announced 26 November 2021. Further information will be provided about actions being taken across the cricket network. This includes the steps already taken for each commitment as well as the estimated timetable to complete delivery.
This update is the first in a series of regular updates the ECB pledged to deliver when it published the action plan back in November. Next update is scheduled for March. Each quarter will see at least one additional update.
The following is an update of each game-wide measure that was announced in the action plan.
1. Within three months, adoption of the standardised reporting and investigation approach that responds to and investigates to all complaints and allegations across the game.
The establishment of a game-wide, independent whistleblowing system that uses standardised processes for responding to and investigating complaints by February 2022 will result in a brand new and independently managed system. A communications campaign is planned to increase awareness. The goal of this communication campaign is to make it easy for anyone to report any form of discrimination in the game at any level. Parallel to this, the ECB continues to work on defining the capabilities and resources required for the new Anti-Discrimination Unit. It will collaborate with cricket’s professional players to eradicate discrimination. It will become operational at the end of May 2022.
2. Promotion of all aims and goals of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket through active engagement in its investigations, recommendations.
Since its initial call for evidence was made on November 9, 2021, the ICEC received over 4,000 responses. It invited everyone involved in cricket to submit their experiences and perceptions of discrimination and inclusion. At the end of February 20,22, a second appeal for further in-depth written evidence submissions will become available. It will be published by the ICEC/ECB as well as the cricket network. After further evidence gathering, stakeholder engagement over the first half 2022, the ICEC plans to publish the final report in September 2022. The ICEC functions as an independent entity. The ECB supports its work by providing documents, data, and facilitating the access of stakeholders to the game.
3. Training in EDI for all cricket workers, from volunteers to coaches, staff to umpires and directors.
By February 2022, all ECB and County Directors, Staff and Key Volunteers will receive anti-discrimination Training. The training will also be offered to all cricket’s volunteer team of 40,000, including recreational clubs officials, umpires, and coaches for the 2022 season. An inclusive leadership program has been developed in Warwickshire and Gloucestershire before it was offered to everyone in the leadership ranks of the game.
4. An in-depth review of the dressing rooms culture within all professional men’s or women’s teams.
Clare Connor will manage the women’s cricket review, along with Ashley Giles (Managing director of men’s cricket), First Class Counties and outside experts. This review will evaluate the dressing room culture in elite cricket across England and Wales. It will also make recommendations for addressing discriminatory attitudes. It will begin in February, and continue through the 2022 season when dressing rooms are open. The final report is due in September.
5. Delivering a revised programme for player and coach education. This addresses any deficiencies identified during the dressing room review.
The PCA delivered anti-racism education to 1000 players in 2021. This will be built on. A revised programme will be implemented later this year to take into consideration the results of the ICEC review and the dressing room culture assessment.
6. Through measures that address:
Each County will be consulted by the ECB to develop plans that address these areas, which we believe are major barriers to player progression. The initial work to identify and gather insight from the network is under way. This includes listening to players who participated in the pathway, and engaging with experts. In the next season of 2022, each County will develop its own plans that reflect the unique circumstances and problems. Clare Connor is overseeing the project with Ashley Giles.
7. An extensive review of all aspects of detection, enforcement, sanctions and punishments against abusive and discriminatory crowd behavior on each of our professional Cricket grounds was done in preparation of the 2022 seasons.
Each First Class County is being worked with by the ECB to conduct a thorough review of their crowd behavior and work with them to determine what actions and plans they have in place for the season 2022.
8. Delivering plans that are tailored to the local community to make professional cricket venues welcoming and inclusive. This includes provision of seating and food and beverages catering to all religions, as well as facilities like multi-faith areas and alcohol-free zones.
To understand the plans of First Class counties to make 2022 their most inclusive year yet, the ECB has been in touch with them. The Capital Investment Plans of every County include this work. It ensures the appropriate provisions for all forms of cricket are made available for spectators and fans at each venue.
9. Education in recreation cricket has been upgraded to make sure that players, coaches and volunteers understand the game and promote diversity.
The mapping of existing education programs across the game is in progress. The resulting map will be used to create a new EDI education program that can then be rolled out in the 2022 season.
10. An agreement to the highest standards of governance, including targets for Board diversity (30% women and locally representative ethnicity by 2022), as well as plans to improve diversity throughout the organisation. To ensure that Counties are able to respect their governance processes and make the necessary changes, compliance will come with a “comply or explain” provision.
Each County is being consulted by the ECB to assess their current situation and to develop plans for addressing any gaps. This will be done before the deadline of 30 April 2022 to ‘comply/explain’. Perrett Laver and Sport England, both recruitment specialists, will be providing practical advice and support to assist with Board diversity targets. They are building upon their collaboration in order to increase diversity in sports leadership positions.
11. Fairer recruitment methods through the adoption of anonymous recruitment tools in senior positions, open appointments for all roles, and the use diverse and balanced panels for assessing interviews
Already, changes have been made to the ECB’s recruitment process. The ECB is sharing its learnings with other players as it supports every County in adapting their processes for fair and inclusive recruitment.
12. All senior executives employed in the game will be required to set EDI targets as part their annual performance goals. These objectives are designed to drive leadership
Personal EDI goals are being introduced at the ECB. This is not only for those who hold leadership roles, but all employees. This is being implemented by the ECB in all Counties, not just for senior executives.
The 26th of November 2022 announcement made commitments to take action beyond the previously mentioned measures. This includes minimum EDI standards to be used by venues for bidding on high-value matches. It also establishes a connection between the minimum EDI standard and receiving central funding. These elements are already in place.
In order to find ways to improve the governance and regulation of the game, the ECB began a review. Portas will be assisting with this process. The specialist consultancy for sports management will work alongside stakeholders to benchmark cricket against other sport. The final report is expected to be finished in May 2022.
Furthermore, Kick It Out is collaborating with the ECB to do research to identify areas of expertise to help in creating and implementing strategies to create a more inclusive environment for cricket. Kick It Out’s first venture outside of football is this partnership, which is funded by Sky.