Cricket Scotland is once again in the eye of a storm, having launched a formal investigation after discovering that one of its board members, Khizar Ali, had posted derogatory tweets in the past. The tweets, which date back to 2012, contain highly offensive language, including the use of the "P" word when referring to Pakistanis, alongside other prejudiced comments aimed at Indians.
Ali became a regional representative on Cricket Scotland's board in May 2023. His involvement with the anti-racism campaign, Running out Racism, adds complexity to the situation. Running out Racism, which has previously called for significant reforms within the sport, has demanded an urgent investigation into Ali's past tweets.
Roots of the Controversy
The historic tweets have triggered a considerable backlash. In a statement addressing the issue, Ali acknowledged the pain his words have caused. "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 said.
Ali also attempted to provide context for some of the other controversial tweets. "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," he added.
A Stained Past
This latest controversy comes on the heels of a turbulent period for Cricket Scotland. Last year, an independent investigation revealed 448 instances of institutional racism within the organization. The damning report led to a complete overhaul of Cricket Scotland's board, underscoring the institution's deeply ingrained challenges.
Cricket Scotland has since made a commitment to foster a more inclusive environment. A spokesperson for the organization reiterated this stance: "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 behavior."
The Reaction
Running out Racism, which campaigns against discrimination in cricket, expressed its disappointment at the revelations. "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 racialized communities. This includes racially offensive terms, such as the P word on numerous occasions," a spokesperson from the group stated.
The group acknowledged Ali's willingness to face the issue head-on but stressed the emotional impact the tweets have had. "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," the spokesperson added.
Looking Forward
As Cricket Scotland navigates through this scandal, the organization finds itself at a critical juncture in its mission to rebuild trust and ensure inclusivity. The board's commitment to a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of discrimination will be put to the test as the investigation into Ali's past remarks unfolds. The handling of this issue not only reflects on the individuals involved but will also serve as a litmus test for Cricket Scotland's overall progress in combating racism within its ranks.