Independent review of racism within Scottish cricket – Direct Appeal

As most of you will be aware following recent high-profile allegations, an independent review is currently being carried out into racism and racial inequalities within Scottish cricket. Scotland’s national agency for sport, sportscotland, has appointed global equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) expert, Plan4Sport, to lead this wholly independent process, with a full report and associated recommendations to be published in July 2022.

Racism and racial discrimination can of course take many forms including physical abuse and direct slurs. It can also be seen as being treated differently, as a person of colour, resulting in fewer opportunities and then exclusion. This review will help shape the sport’s response to these serious issues.

A significant strand of the review is already underway and the investigation team wants to hear from anyone who has been treated differently because of their race or who has faced racism at any level of the game. They also want to speak to anyone who has witnessed this type of behaviour taking place.

This includes former and current players, administrators, umpires, staff and volunteers or anyone else who has information or evidence that could contribute to the ongoing independent review. It is vital that as many people as possible come forward to ensure the forthcoming report delivers real change.

With that in mind we are contacting member clubs to ask that this message is passed on to as many people involved within cricket in the east of Scotland and beyond, as a matter of priority. It is important to realise that it doesn’t matter if someone feels their experience is in some way too small or insignificant, the review team wants to hear from everyone who has a story to tell. The experiences shared with the team will help shape the recommendations and make the sport a better place for everyone involved. All contributions will be treated in full confidence and will not be shared with anyone directly involved in Scottish cricket.

To get in touch with the team please contact cricketreview@sportscotland.org.uk in the first instance. All contacts will be treated confidentially and will be responded to by the independent review team. This is a safe space where you will be treated with compassion and respect.

We are happy to discuss further at the AGM on wednesday 26th January ’22 and will post more information on this website, over email and on social media going forward.