Mayoral Commission completes enquiry stage and has reported on racism in cricket to the Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket (ICEC)

Bristol’s Mayoral Commission on Race Equality (CoRE) has submitted findings of its enquiry into reports of racism in cricket to the Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket (ICEC).

Commissioners undertaking the review found evidence that issues identified elsewhere in the country can be seen in the local game in the Bristol region. These issues include people from minority backgrounds leaving the game due to their experiences of racism, a fear amongst Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background communities of sharing their experiences, a sense that non-white clubs are treated differently to predominantly white clubs and concerns about unfit practices and procedures in recreational cricket for handling complaints.

Three Commissioners led the enquiry. Their review followed in the aftermath of the high-profile cases of racism brought against Yorkshire County Cricket Club by former professional cricketer Azeem Rafiq. The Commissioners set out with the aim to play their part to help make racial equality a reality in cricket in the Bristol region.

Museji Ahmed Takolia CBE, Chair of the Commission on Race Equality, said: “We have acted to bridge divides and bring clubs and the game’s administrators together. Our approach was to research and hear the experiences of people involved at all levels in the game and I am very grateful to those who chose to speak with us and share their thoughts and feelings. Whilst we did not set out to investigate the issues identified due to our role, the body of testimony we’ve gathered provides an invaluable insight that clearly identifies areas of focus for further investigation.

“The foundation of the evidence provided to the ICEC is the relationships we’ve established with clubs and regional organisers of the game. The dialogue we’re developing offers opportunities to introduce resolute action towards positive change that leaders and representatives of the game can engage with. With an emphasis on engagement, CoRE’s offer was one of support, guidance, and advice, with a particular eye on developing positive action locally e.g., the Bristol & District (B&D) and the West of England Premier League (WEPL) in particular.

“All of those in the leadership session were open to and requested further assistance from CoRE, and we hope to connect clubs with local community organisations to address issues around diversity and inclusion, not only for players but also for leadership and administration in the sport. More engagement with community organisations will demonstrate to communities that clubs want to make change.”

To gather the testimony and experiences required to develop the Commission’s understanding of the local game, two evidence gathering sessions were held. The first was with individuals from local cricket clubs, the second with the leadership of local and regional cricket boards. In terms of the latter, the Commissioners were keen to hear from the game’s leadership in the region and therefore corresponded with chair and CEO levels. The Commission’s findings were submitted to the ICEC on 29 April 2022. The ICEC has been set up under the aegis of the England & Wales Cricket Board. This submission to the ICEC forms part of their national call for evidence.

Findings from the review point to the issues being faced having an impact on the game in the city and there being a clear disparity between the professional game and local cricket. Museji Ahmed Takolia continued: “We are encouraged by the willingness of the game’s leadership to accept our assistance and support the development of equality, diversity and inclusion in the game. We hope to connect clubs with local community organisations to address issues around diversity and inclusion, not only for players but also for leadership and administration in the sport. More engagement with community organisations will demonstrate to communities that clubs want to make change.”

The Commission’s report also takes the opportunity to celebrate examples of good practice, such as the African Caribbean Engagement (ACE) programme. The ACE Programme aims to support diverse talent from the grassroots to the elite through talent pathways, elite academies, and workforce development using the wider game to support reconnection with the Black community. The programme can help ensure a diverse community from players to coaches at the recreational and professional game. A similar programme operates to encourage South Asian cricketing talent (SACA).

These programmes are bolstered by other positive developments like the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation’s aims to address racism through their “GRACE” campaign which has been launched already. The anti-discrimination campaign outlines 5 principles, one of which specifically states, “Racism has no place in Gloucestershire Cricket”.

Methodology and approach

CoRE held two evidence gathering sessions. The first was with individuals from local cricket clubs, the second with the leadership of local and regional cricket boards. In terms of the latter, we were keen to hear from the leadership and therefore our correspondence was at chair and CEO levels.

Leading up to these sessions we wrote to a number of leaders in December 2021, including:

• Chairperson of Bristol & District League

• David Jones, Chairperson and Will Brown, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club

• Allan Taylor, Standards Committee Chairperson and David Derrick, Bristol & Somerset

• Secretary of West of England Premiere League

• Steve Silk, CEO of Gloucestershire Cricket Board