Promoting Fairness in Cricket: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Urges Resetting ICEC Report to Drive Change in the Sport

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Speaks Out on Discrimination in Cricket

Following a report that shed light on the prevalence of discrimination in cricket, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has engaged with leaders at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) highlighted instances of racism, sexism, classism, and elitism within the sport.

“As someone who holds a deep love for cricket, reading about these issues was truly disheartening,” expressed Sunak. “It is saddening to witness such descriptions being associated with a sport I am passionate about.”

The ECB had announced the establishment of ICEC back in March 2021 as a response to global movements like Black Lives Matter and Me Too. The comprehensive report produced by ICEC put forth 44 recommendations, urging an unreserved public apology from the ECB to address its shortcomings. Richard Thompson, Chair of the ECB, issued an apology earlier this week.

“I have spoken with members of the ECB team and I believe they have taken appropriate action,” stated Sunak during his interview.

Sunak commended the proactive approach by ECB which led them to commission this report voluntarily. He emphasized their commitment towards rectifying these issues and transforming it into a pivotal moment for cricket.

“We all aspire for inclusivity where individuals from diverse backgrounds can participate in cricket while feeling respected and supported,” remarked Sunak. “Based on my conversations thus far, it is evident that leadership across various associations within cricket share this ambition.”

The Government’s Role and Cricket in State Schools

The ICEC report also criticized the scarcity of cricket in state schools, asserting that an inherent alignment with private schools perpetuates elitism and class-based discrimination. Sunak lauded the African Caribbean Engagement Programme (ACE) which aims to engage individuals from more diverse communities into the game.

Addressing concerns about reintroducing cricket into state schools, given that many pitches have been sold off over time, Sunak discussed government initiatives towards promoting school sports. “We have allocated £600m for school sports over the next few years,” he revealed. However, he emphasized that it is not within the government’s purview to dictate which sports schools should prioritize.

Sunak drew attention to their support for gender equality in sports as well. After meeting with England women’s football team known as The Lionesses, they backed a campaign advocating equal opportunities for girls in various sporting disciplines. Furthermore, all schools are expected to meet minimum requirements regarding physical education.

Promoting Inclusivity and Striving for Progress

Reflecting on his own experience playing and watching cricket during his childhood, Sunak acknowledged that while he personally did not encounter racism within the sport itself, there were instances of discrimination present elsewhere in society.

“Certain incidents from one’s formative years tend to linger,” Sunak shared candidly. “However, I believe my children wouldn’t face similar challenges today due to significant progress we’ve made as a nation.”

Sunak recognized areas where improvement is needed and expressed determination towards striving for better outcomes across various spheres of life.

The Weight of Responsibility

When asked about managing national affairs amidst mounting pressure, Sunak admitted feeling weighed down by these responsibilities: “The impact of high inflation on household incomes affects people’s budgets and their ability to provide for their children,” he acknowledged. “It is my duty to address these concerns and improve the situation.”

Acting with Integrity

As part of restoring trust in politicians, Sunak emphasized the importance of acting with integrity and following through on commitments made: “There are numerous ways to achieve this, by upholding ethical standards, doing what is right, and delivering on promises,” he affirmed.