ECB Aims to ‘Redefine the Sport’ in Light of ICEC’s Scrutiny

A Pivotal Call to Change

The English and Welsh landscapes of cricket have come under intense focus as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) publishes its resolutions, stating the imperative to “change the game”, to a disquieting exposition on racism, sexism, elitism, and classism in cricket.

The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) has painted a sombre picture, terming discrimination as “widespread” in these regions.

Embracing the Findings

In a pronounced step towards improvement, the ECB has acknowledged “most” of the 44 pointers from the ICEC, a list which advocates for the establishment of an autonomous body to oversee the game.

As eloquently stated by Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, “The ICEC report was a profound juncture for cricket, and it’s a mantle we shoulder with utmost commitment. We’re poised to change the very fabric of this sport’s history.”

Reiterating this sentiment was Chairman Richard Thompson, who promptly issued an apology upon the report’s release in June. He beckoned the cricket community to unite, expressing.

“Cricket has faltered previously, yet now is the time to stride forth, hand in hand, towards crafting England and Wales’ most inclusive cricketing narrative.”

Taking into account supplementary clauses, the ICEC has proposed an ambitious 137 actions for the ECB, of which they are actively pursuing 94%.

Nod to Women’s Cricket

Progress is evident in some areas. The fees for England’s women cricketers now mirror those of the men’s team for international matches. Yet, the route to absolute pay parity remains winding, with the ECB highlighting the disparity in commercial worth between men’s and women’s cricket.

Former national star Claire Taylor reflects on this, mentioning the finite resources of the ECB, emphasising the essence of sustainability. She states, “Every penny channelled into women’s and girls’ cricket, or other sectors spotlighted by the ICEC, must stand the test of time. It should augment competition and fortify grassroots cricket.”

Tracing the Genesis

The establishment of the ICEC in March 2021 was influenced by global movements like Black Lives Matter and Me Too. Over its investigation, the ICEC, while releasing the poignant “Holding A Mirror Up To Cricket”, discerned underlying issues such as institutional racism, gender disparity, and prevalent elitism.

The three-month deadline given to the ECB for a rebuttal saw it receiving both praise and critiques. Azeem Rafiq, the ex-Yorkshire player and prominent voice against racism, appreciated the steps taken but felt a palpable absence of meticulous detailing.

ECB’s Blueprint for Renewal

Charting its course, the ECB has revealed plans to:

• Pour an additional £25m annually into the women’s game till 2028.
• Commit £2m across charities to foster cricket in state schools.
• Institute an impartial regulator for myriad concerns, from anti-discrimination to safeguarding.
• Collaborate with counties to eliminate financial roadblocks for promising talent.
• Appraise major match venues for their equality, diversity, and inclusion standards.
• Deliver annual reports with a comprehensive equity report every third year.

However, the ECB has steered clear of some proposals, such as the appointment of dedicated EDI officers and the staging of matches at Lord’s beyond 2023.

Voices from the Pitch

The cricketing world has been abuzz with reactions.

Cindy Butts, the chair of ICEC, communicated that a detailed review of ECB’s response will be shared with the CMS committee.

Moeen Ali, England’s all-rounder, voiced optimism, stating, “The ECB’s efforts have now started to align with the inclusivity the sport requires in the country.”

Stephen Vaughan, Yorkshire’s chief executive, mirrored this optimism, asserting the dedication to “making cricket a sport for everyone.”

Tony Burnett, from the anti-racism charity Kick It Out, highlighted the need for systemic change, indicating football could glean insights from this endeavour.

In all its gravitas, the discourse has set the stage for cricket in England and Wales to evolve, aspiring for a sport where diversity and talent coalesce seamlessly.