FORMER Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq, whose accusations of systemic racism at Yorkshire shocked English cricket, felt the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s response to Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC)’s report was insufficient.
The ECB announced yesterday (25) that it will create an independent regulator and enhance funding for women’s cricket as part of attempts to make cricket more inclusive.
Rafiq was responding in an interview with Sky Sports following this response from the ECB.
“I expected the three-month response to be detailed, clear with strong commitments and unfortunately from what I’ve read it falls incredibly short and it’s flimsy at best,” Rafiq said.
“How independent is the new regulator? We don’t have any details about it… There are a couple of positives with commitments around women’s cricket and match-fee equalisation, that should be the bare minimum.
“These commitments are important, but is it going to solve the other issues that led us here in the first place? I don’t think it will.”
In the ICEC’s study, evidence of pervasive sexism, elitism, classism, and racism were found and the commission presented 44 recommendations.
A new regulatory agency should be established in the upcoming year that is not affiliated with the ECB, is one of them, according to the report.
The Independent Cricket Regulatory Board would receive reports from the regulator, according to the ECB, and it would be functioning before the 2024 season started.
At least £25 million per year will be spent throughout the current broadcast cycle, which runs until 2028, to advance the development of the women’s and girls’ game at all levels.
The investment will not depend on any earnings from the women’s game.
ECB chair Richard Thompson said in a statement: “There is no doubt that the ICEC highlighted to great effect the impact of discrimination on individuals and the extent of the systemic challenges to be addressed.
“Its in-depth analysis also presented an opportunity to put in place a comprehensive plan of action that will deliver meaningful change and rebuild trust among the communities we serve.
“This response represents a set of actions that will accelerate and intensify our work to make cricket a game for everyone, actions that cricket can deliver and fund within an achievable timeframe.”
Additionally, the ECB aims to take a more open and responsible approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and publish a status of equity report every three years.
Last month, the ECB implemented the move suggested in the ICEC study, bringing match costs for England’s men’s and women’s teams into parity with immediate effect.
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