Breaking the Stumps of Discrimination: Ashes Captain Stokes Apologizes for Cricket’s Dark Realities
Ashes Captain Stokes Apologizes for Prevalent Discrimination in English and Welsh Cricket
The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) has released a report that highlights the prevalence of discrimination, including racism, sexism, elitism and classism in cricket across England and Wales. The findings reveal that such issues are widely spread within the sport.
England captain Ben Stokes expressed his deep regret about these revelations before Wednesday’s second Ashes Test at Lord’s. He also emphasized the need for cricket to be more inclusive and diverse than ever before.
“It is clear the game has so much more to do,” said Stokes. “The game should be enjoyed without fear of discrimination.”
Over four thousand respondents participated in this study which examined both recreational and professional cricket. According to ICEC’s report, discriminatory practices against women were widespread as they were treated as subordinate to men on all levels within the sport while institutional racism was still prevalent too. Additionally, there was evidence of elitism with class-based discrimination rampant throughout various aspects of cricket.
In light of these disconcerting findings, Stokes issued an apology to everyone who had experienced prejudice while involved with cricket:
“To the people involved within this great game who have been made to feel unwelcome or uncomfortable because of their race or gender identity – I am deeply sorry.”
Stokes also called for wider recognition and celebration of diversity in cricket, stating that without it, the game would not be what it is today.
Cricket needs to celebrate diversity on all fronts,” Stokes said. “Everyone has a different story to tell.”
The England captain himself hails from New Zealand and was educated at a state school. He dropped out of school at age sixteen with only one GCSE in Physical Education.
“I needed help with the spelling and grammar in this speech,” joked Stokes.