By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
According to an independent 317-page Report issued by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), following a two-year investigation, has found that racism, sexism, classism and elitism are “widespread” in English cricket.
The ICEC was set up by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in March 2021, following global movements such as ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘Me Too’.
The ICEC Report has made 44 recommendations, including that the ECB makes an unreserved public apology for its failings.
Richard Thomson, the chairman of the ECB, has remarked:
“We will use this moment to reset cricket.”
Cindy Butts, the chair of the ICEC, has stated in the Report:
“There remains a stark reality that cricket is not a ‘game for everyone’ and it is absolutely essential that the work required to achieve that ambition must begin immediately.”
The full ICEC Report may be accessed at: ‘https://theicec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HOLDING-UP-A-MIRROR-TO-CRICKET-REPORT-ICEC.pdf’.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘