Cricket Scotland has commenced a formal investigation into Khizar Ali, a member of its board, following the emergence of past tweets containing derogatory language. The tweets, originating from 2012, involve the use of the "P" word in reference to Pakistanis and other offensive remarks directed at Indians.
Ali, who joined Cricket Scotland's board as a regional representative in May 2023, addressed the controversy with an apology: "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 stated.
Immediate Reaction and Calls for Investigation
The incident has prompted swift action and strong reactions from various stakeholders. Running out Racism, an advocacy group involved with promoting equity and inclusion within sports, has called for an urgent investigation. A spokesperson from the organization stated, "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."
The spokesperson further expressed the group's sentiments regarding Ali's conduct: "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."
Cricket Scotland's Commitment to Inclusivity
This incident occurs against the backdrop of broader changes within Cricket Scotland. Last year, the organization underwent significant transformations following an independent investigation that exposed institutional racism within the governance of the sport in Scotland. That investigation unearthed 448 examples of institutional racism, leading to a complete overhaul of the board.
A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland echoed the organization's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment: "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 spokesperson also acknowledged Ali's willingness to address concerns surrounding the tweets directly. Ali himself added, "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."
The Road Ahead
As Cricket Scotland delves into this investigation, the focus remains on maintaining the integrity and inclusiveness of the sport. The organization’s prompt response and the ongoing dialogue indicate a collective dedication to addressing issues of racism and discrimination head-on.
Running out Racism's call for a thorough and timely investigation underscores the importance of addressing past wrongs and creating a path forward that aligns with the principles of respect and inclusivity. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing work required to ensure that sports, and indeed all societal institutions, are free from discrimination and bias.