Cricket Scotland has launched a formal investigation following the discovery of derogatory language in tweets by board member Khizar Ali. The tweets, dating back to 2012, contain offensive references to Pakistanis and Indians, including the use of the offensive "P" word.
Ali, who joined the board as a regional representative in May 2023, has come under scrutiny after the tweets resurfaced. The organization Running out Racism has called for an urgent investigation into the matter, reflecting the sensitivity and seriousness of the accusations.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Cricket Scotland has been proactive in addressing issues of racism within the sport, especially after a damning independent investigation last year revealed 448 instances of institutional racism. In response to these findings, the governance structure of Cricket Scotland was completely overhauled with a renewed commitment to creating an inclusive environment and tackling discrimination.
A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland stated, "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."
Ali’s Response and Apology
In the wake of the controversy, Khizar Ali issued a public apology for his past remarks. "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 expressed.
He further acknowledged the potential harm caused by his words and displayed a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with those affected. "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," Ali added.
Community Reaction
The reaction from the community and organizations opposed to racism has been swift and pointed. A spokesperson from Running out Racism commented, "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 added, "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 ongoing investigation seeks to address these historical remarks in the context of Cricket Scotland’s broader mission to foster a sport free of prejudice. These revelations come as a sobering reminder of the work still needed to eradicate racism from all levels of the game.
This incident underlines the importance of accountability and the impact of historical actions on present commitments to inclusivity and diversity. As Cricket Scotland continues its journey towards a more inclusive future, this investigation serves as a critical test of its resolve and dedication to the principles it espouses.