ECB introduces new measures to drive out discrimination & increase diversity

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a series of new measures to drive out discrimination, some of which are 'a new independent commission for equality in cricket', 'a forum for race in cricket' and 'a new equality code of conduct'.

The measures, which form part of a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan that will be introduced in the coming months, were approved by the ECB board.

According to the ECB, the independent commission will assist the board "in assessing the evidence of inequalities and discrimination of all forms within cricket, and the actions needed to tackle these issues".

An independent chairman will lead the commission which will also have independent members. The role of the commission involves bringing in "a diversity of thought and experience to provide constructive input and challenge to the ECB and the wider game".

The Forum aims to provide a confidential, safe space through which the ECB can listen to, and learn from, the lived experiences of people from across the game. Building on work done this year and through our South Asian Action Plan, the Board has agreed that it is critical that we continue to listen and learn from these lived experiences, so that we can assess the future action required.

The new Equality Code will be adopted and enforced by all cricket organisations operating under the ECB's jurisdiction, enabling discriminatory behaviour to be sanctioned through disciplinary processes. The code is being finalised and will be implemented before the 2021 season.

The measures fall under full Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan for 2021-24 will be launched next year by the ECB. IANS

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