HAQ SAYS GAME IN SCOTLAND NEEDS INQUIRY TOO

FORMER Scotland international Majid Haq has called for an inquiry into racism in Scottish cricket. Haq, Scotland’s all-time leading wicket taker, said an investigation is needed similar to the one being carried out in England. Another former Scotland cricketer, Qasim Sheikh, has also spoken out about racism he experienced in his time playing in this country. Haq (pictured), who won more than 200 caps between 2006 and 2015, said: ‘As an ethnic minority cricketer, you need to perform twice as well as a white counterpart to get the same opportunities and the same recognition. ‘I think we need to do a similar sort of investigation that is happening in England, to be honest — whether there is enough being done for ethnic minority cricketers up here, coaches, officials and people sitting on committees and having their voice heard.’ Sheikh, who played for Scotland between 2008 and 2010, said: ‘I was about 15 years old at the time, playing in a senior game, and I was referred to as a P**i. In the national team, I have been myself, and a few others from an Asian background — this was many years ago, I might add — referred to as “you lot”. ‘I wouldn’t want my children referred to that way. I’m born and bred in Glasgow. I have a Scottish mother, a Pakistani father and I’m proud to be a Scottish Pakistani. ‘Beyond that, there were never any other racial slurs. I do not by any stretch compare that state of affairs at Cricket Scotland with what has happened at Yorkshire. I wouldn’t go as far as to say they (Cricket Scotland) are institutionally racist but I do feel it should be a more diverse organisation.’