ECB unveils action plan to tackle racism

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday unveiled a 12-point action plan to tackle racism and promote inclusion and diversity at all levels of the game in the country. The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan, jointly developed by the ECB, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), and counties among other organizations, looks to address 'dressing room culture' and 'creating welcoming environments for all' among other important matters.

The initiative comes in after Azeem Rafiq's testimony to a parliamentary hearing, where he argued losing his career to institutional racism within the Yorkshire county. Following Rafiq, several others cricketers have made confessions of racial abuse at the club level.

"For cricket truly to 'connect communities and improve lives' — our stated aim at the ECB — we must start by accepting that not enough has happened to make our game better, both inside our own walls and across the wider game. That is the only possible reaction to the powerful testimony of Azeem Rafiq and others in recent weeks," said Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer.

"I am delighted that this plan represents the whole game coming together to commit to tangible action and meaningful change. Our role as the ECB will now be to acknowledge the changes that need to be made internally, as well as offer support, resource, and funding to assist the game in making these changes. We look forward to working with our partners across the game to create a stronger, more inclusive sport and build back the trust of everyone who loves cricket," he added. IANS

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