‘Racism allegations have hit the game like an earthquake’

ECB CHIEF UNVEILS 12-POINT PLAN TO TACKLE SCANDAL

ECB boss Tom Harrison described racism allegations which have rocked cricket as an “earthquake” that have portrayed the sport in the “worst possible way”.

In unveiling a 12-point disaster response yesterday, the governing body promised to shine a light on every area of the game, including dressing-room culture and representation at all levels.

Chief executive Harrison (above) admitted a major shake-up in the regulation of the sport could result in an independent regulator assuming control from the governing body.

Harrison said racism allegations made by former Yorkshire spinner Azeem

Rafiq (right) have shown the sport, at both professional and recreational level, has been guilty of sweeping the issue under the carpet.

But he promised that all stakeholders were united in tackling the issue to make the sport more diverse, inclusive and welcoming at all levels.

He said: “The last few weeks have been very tough.

“It feels like an earthquake has hit us. Our game has been portrayed in the worst possible way. Azeem Rafiq’s and others’ testimony has revealed serious issues which we have not dealt with for many decades.

“There are clearly large numbers of people who feel like cricket has not been there for them. This is our latest attempt to say we are listening and we are desperate to solve the problem.”

The 12-point action plan is the result of the crisis meeting last week at The Oval which included the ECB, Marylebone Cricket Club, Professional Cricketers’

Association, counties and the regions and recreational network. It was described as a “game-wide response to discrimination”.

Equity, diversity and inclusion training for all those who work in cricket will take effect immediately.

Other proposed changes, like targets for boards to be 30 percent female and ethnic representation to reflect the local community, are planned by April next year.

The plan is sketchy in other areas, including who is to lead a review into dressing room culture and what the end product might be.

BY GIDEON BROOKS