The DCMS Committee’s calls for action to tackle racism in cricket
have received overwhelming support ahead of a crucial vote by
Yorkshire members that will decide the future direction of the
club.
The Government’s formal response to the Committee’s report on
racism in cricket accepts the key recommendation that public
funding for the game be dependent on the ECB making demonstrable
progress in ridding racism from the dressing grounds and stands.
It also agrees with the Committee that the governing body must be
held accountable, with progress measured against key indicators.
The publication today of the Government’s official response to
January’s report comes ahead of an extraordinary general meeting
at Yorkshire on Thursday next week, where members will be asked
to vote on proposed reforms to the club and confirm Lord Patel as
Chair. The ECB announced last month
that it would lift the suspension on the club hosting
international fixtures subject to reforms being implemented.
DCMS Committee Chair said:
“Our view that sustained action is urgently needed to root out
endemic racism in cricket is one that has now received
overwhelming support from across the board. The ECB, PCA and
long-standing sponsors, who have severed their links with
Yorkshire over the club’s approach to tackling the problem, are
all now on the same page and the Committee and the Government are
speaking as one. Anyone who still fails to acknowledge the
deep-seated nature of racism in the sport, while using
distraction tactics to frustrate much needed reforms, is in the
minority.
Next week, by voting for the reforms put forward by Lord Patel,
Yorkshire members can continue the process of the club’s
rehabilitation. This should be just the first step in cricket
putting its house in order. Such a move however will not only
secure the long-term future of the club by restoring
international matches to Headingley but will act as signal to the
wider cricketing world that, with the right will, strong and
determined action can be taken to tackle the scourge of racism
that has stained the game.”
Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq gave evidence to the DCMS
Committee in November about his calls for disciplinary action
to be taken by the club following its investigation which found
he had been subjected to racial harassment and bullying. The
Committee also questioned Lord Patel and
former Chair Roger Hutton, along with ECB officials.
Transcripts of further evidence sessions with the PCA, county
cricket clubs and the Quaid e Azam Premier Cricket League can be
found here.
Correspondence relating to the inquiry, including a letter from
Committee Chair Julian Knight to former Yorkshire Chair Robin
Smith, is available here.
