It was the great CLR James who once asked, “What do they know of cricket who only cricket know?” His words capture the essence of cricket as more than just a game but a lens through which we can understand society. This sentiment still holds true today, especially as we reflect on a captivating Ashes contest and the troubling findings of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report. The report exposes the widespread racism, sexism, elitism, and discrimination at all levels of the game.
Cricket stands apart from other sports in that what happens off the field is equally as important as what happens on it. Unlike football and rugby where both teams contest the same ball or tennis where rivals volley over a shared net, cricket sees players engage in uniquely opposing actions. Eleven teammates come together to stop two batters from scoring runs by hitting a leather ball across 22 yards. This objective inherently creates exclusion, forcing the batters to the sidelines.
Cricket has always carried the scent of the English class system. Until the 1960s, the game operated with a strict divide between amateurs, referred to as gentlemen, and professionals, known as players. Separate changing rooms were even in place. This bias towards batters still exists today, as a great cricket match is often judged by the number of runs scored rather than the number of wickets taken. In this stratified game, social interactions and norms take on immense significance, intertwining with the skill and athleticism of sport.
This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for integration. Sadly, integration is lacking in English cricket today, a fact made evident by the extensive ICEC report based on the input of over 4,000 players, coaches, administrators, and fans. England all-rounder Moeen Ali embodies the ongoing problem of exclusion and otherness. Despite South Asians accounting for a significant portion of the recreational cricket population in England and Wales, Ali is one of only two Asian players on the English team. His experiences, such as the shock his teammates expressed upon discovering his grandmother’s name, highlight the narrow perceptions and limitations placed upon him. This exclusionary culture is further exemplified by Azeem Rafiq’s revelations of racist abuse at Yorkshire cricket club, where derogatory slurs were dismissed as harmless banter.
The ICEC report rightly challenges the culture of discrimination in cricket, making it clear that the problem extends beyond a few isolated incidents. Senior leaders in cricket have long denied the existence of racism in the game, demonstrating a lack of understanding and acknowledgment. These leaders must also address other deep-rooted issues within cricket, such as the lack of opportunities for women. The England women’s team has yet to play a Test at Lord’s, despite men’s teams from prestigious schools like Eton and Harrow having annual matches there. Racism is also prevalent within women’s cricket, with a disproportionate number of white players compared to Black British, mixed/multiple ethnicity, and South Asian players.
While change may not happen overnight, the England and Wales Cricket Board has recognized the significance of the report and offered an unreserved apology. They have committed to responding to the report’s recommendations within three months. This is a monumental task, but it presents an opportunity to create a more inclusive culture that rejects the attitudes of the past. Just as the lotus flower grows from muck in India, cricket has the potential to rise above its shortcomings and become something truly beautiful. We know that cricket has the power to uplift the human spirit, but we also know that it can be so much better than it currently is.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
