Classism, racism and misogyny widespread in cricket, finds report

A new "landmark" report recommending ways to address the ongoing and historic racism, elitism and sexism prevalent in English and Welsh cricket was co-led by a UCL researcher. Titled Holding Up a Mirror to Cricket , the report was written by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, a committee established by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the sport's official governing body, to assess evidence of inequalities and discrimination, and recommend actions to address these issues. The commission found a culture in which overt discrimination often goes without serious challenge, and prevailing attitudes of interpersonal racism, sexism and other discriminatory practices are commonplace. The report contains 44 recommendations to make the sport of cricket more inclusive. Among these include calling for a public apology for all who have experienced discrimination in the sport, an apology for the historical neglect and discrimination against women's cricket and black Caribbean cricket in England and Wales, the establishment of a new Black Cricket Action Plan to invest in grassroots black cricket and talent development, and the recognition that there are few avenues for people of lower economic status to advance within the sport. Other recommendations include changes to the ECB governance, pay equity for women, creating a new regulator, improved funding for state schools, and changes to the talent pathway for young athletes to advance within the sport.