Group’s goal for diversity in cricket
MIDDLESEX Cricket, the governing body for the recreational game in north and west London, has announced its intent to improve cricket’s diversity within the county and make a greater contribution to social cohesion across the capital.
Currently 19 per cent of the players who have made first class debuts for Middlesex CCC since 1970 have BAME heritage (39 out of 204 players).
At its latest meeting, the club’s board invited the newly-formed Middlesex Cricket Diversity and Inclusion Group to produce a clear activation plan before the end of December. The four goals, as set out by the board, are to:
■Build trust between Middlesex Cricket and the players, parents and stakeholders in all communities within the county, through clear actions;
■Make every effort to ensure the composition of the Board, club management and senior men’s and women’s playing squads of Middlesex Cricket accurately reflect the demographics of the communities within the county, by providing opportunities to become involved at all levels;
■Address any bias, whether conscious or unconscious and;
■Promote cricket as a powerful vehicle for social cohesion in London and its environs, bringing communities together on the field of play by creating innovative new competitions at school and club level, accessible to all.
The board also acknowledged that “the culture of Middlesex Cricket does not fully represent” the population within its area, and that there were currently “system barriers” within the club’s structures which were preventing “women, BAME, disabled, LGBT people and people of faith from becoming involved”.
Middlesex chairman Mike O’Farrell said: “We recognise Middlesex Cricket has an important and exciting role to play in promoting cricket, and social cohesion, among a wonderfully diverse community, and we embrace the challenge to broaden the base of our game.”
Edward Lord, Middlesex director and chair of the new group, said: “We recognise there is work to be done, and we aim to ensure our club feels accessible to everybody, regardless of their race, background, religion, gender or sexuality.”