Cricket Scotland has found itself at the center of a storm, as it launches a formal investigation into historic tweets posted by Khizar Ali, a sitting board member. The tweets in question, which date back to 2012, contained highly offensive language, including the derogatory "P" word directed at Pakistanis, alongside disparaging remarks about Indians.
Ali, who took his seat on Cricket Scotland's board as a regional representative in May 2023, has been a prominent figure associated with the anti-racism initiative Running out Racism. The revelations have cast a shadow over his role within the organization and prompted urgent calls for accountability from various quarters.
A Decade-Old Offence Brought to Light
Running out Racism, an organization dedicated to combating racism within cricket, expressed immediate dismay over Ali's historic remarks. A spokesperson for Running out Racism shared, "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 articulated the collective disappointment felt by the organization, stating, "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."
In response to the backlash, Ali issued a public apology. He acknowledged the hurt caused by his words, stating, "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." He also addressed the context of his other tweets, expressing willingness to discuss any concerns further, "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."
A History of Institutional Racism
This incident arrives just as Cricket Scotland is endeavoring to rebuild its reputation following a damning independent investigation last year, which uncovered 448 examples of institutional racism within the sport's governance in Scotland. Following these revelations, Cricket Scotland's board underwent a complete overhaul as it sought to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland reaffirmed the organization's commitment to inclusivity and zero tolerance for discrimination, stating, "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."
A Way Forward
As this investigation unfolds, the cricketing community is left to grapple with the implications of these historic remarks. Running out Racism has acknowledged Ali’s proactive stance in owning up to the issue and his efforts to engage in constructive dialogue. "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," added the Running out Racism spokesperson.
The coming days will be crucial for Cricket Scotland as it navigates this challenging episode. The organization’s commitment to tackling discrimination and fostering inclusivity is being put to the test as it addresses both past and present issues slurred by controversy.
The cricket world will be keenly observing how Cricket Scotland and Khizar Ali address these revelations, and what measures will be taken to ensure such incidents are not only scrutinized but effectively addressed, steering the sport towards a more inclusive and respectful future.