Cricket Scotland is grappling with a new controversy as it has launched a formal investigation into Khizar Ali, one of its board members, over past tweets containing racially derogatory language. The tweets in question date back to 2012 and involve the use of the "P" word in reference to Pakistanis along with other offensive remarks aimed at Indians.
Khizar Ali, who joined Cricket Scotland's board as a regional representative in May 2023, has expressed regret for these historical posts. "There were recent screenshots shared of historic tweets from 2012 where I used the P word. The reading of the word in full for some within the South Asian and cricketing communities will invoke and trigger upset. To anyone who has to read that and it caused upset, I want to extend my sincere apologies to you," Ali said.
Running out Racism's Call for Immediate Action
The advocacy group Running out Racism was swift in its response, demanding an urgent investigation into the matter. A spokesperson from the group articulated the community's disappointment and urgency: "We have been made aware of the historic tweets circulating in relation to Cricket Scotland board member and WDCU chair Khizar Ali, from 2012 which include comments regarding various racialised communities. This includes racially offensive terms, such as the P word on numerous occasions."
Surprisingly, Running out Racism also indicated some degree of understanding towards Ali's efforts to address the situation. "Running out Racism members are surprised, dismayed and feel incredibly let down that someone we've a huge amount of respect for would use such words, in any context, at any point in history. This has caused upset and anger with some we support and represent, it is difficult at this stage to work beyond how people feel in the immediate term. However, we do acknowledge Khizar’s willingness to proactively own this, and appreciate the conversations he's engaged in directly with us and many others regarding these messages," the spokesperson added.
Historical Context: Institutional Racism in Cricket Scotland
The controversy comes on the heels of significant organizational changes within Cricket Scotland, following an independent investigation in 2022 that revealed institutional racism within its governance. The damning report identified 448 examples of institutional racism, leading to a complete overhaul of Cricket Scotland's board last year.
This commitment to change and inclusivity has been firmly stated by a Cricket Scotland spokesperson: "The board of Cricket Scotland was completely changed last year after an independent investigation found the governance of the game in Scotland to be institutionally racist. We are committed to ensuring that our sport is safe, welcoming, inclusive, and open to all. We are determined to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to racism, sexism, and all forms of unacceptable behaviour."
The Path Forward
Ali himself has been proactive in addressing the concerns raised, pointing out that some of his tweets are being circulated out of their original context. "There are also various other tweets which are being shared out of context of the conversation they sit within, and I am willing to commit to any discussions directly with anyone who has any concerns on these, as I have already with a number of colleagues," he stated.
Cricket Scotland, in its bid to create an inclusive and safe environment, faces the challenging task of balancing the swift action needed against the reflection and deliberation such incidents require. As the sporting body continues its investigation, the broader community will be watching closely to see if its actions align with its declared commitment to zero-tolerance towards discrimination.
This unfolding drama serves as a crucial test of Cricket Scotland's dedication to overturning its troubled past and fostering an inclusive environment where such issues are addressed rigorously and transparently. The organization will have to navigate these turbulent waters carefully to uphold its commitment to inclusivity while dealing promptly and fairly with transgressions, whether historical or current.