Cricket Scotland has found itself embroiled in controversy as an investigation has been launched into past derogatory tweets posted by board member Khizar Ali. The tweets, originating from 2012, contain offensive remarks, including the use of the "P" word in reference to Pakistanis and other derogatory comments directed at Indians.
Khizar Ali, who joined Cricket Scotland's board as a regional representative in May 2023, acknowledged the previous tweets and issued 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," said Ali.
A Call for Urgent Investigation
The advocacy group Running out Racism, which has been vocal in its fight against discrimination in sports, has called for an immediate investigation. A spokesperson for the group 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 mentioned, "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."
Cricket Scotland's Commitment to Change
The incident comes during a crucial period for Cricket Scotland, which is still navigating the aftermath of a damning independent investigation last year that revealed widespread institutional racism within its governance. The investigation identified a staggering 448 instances of institutional racism, which led to a complete overhaul of Cricket Scotland's board.
A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland underscored the organization's ongoing 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 emphasized.
Ongoing Conversations and Reactions
Khizar Ali has expressed his willingness to engage in discussions regarding the offensive tweets, aiming to address any concerns directly. "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 stated.
Running out Racism acknowledged Ali's proactive approach in handling the situation while also highlighting the anger and disappointment felt within the communities they support. "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," said the group's spokesperson.
As Cricket Scotland continues to grapple with the implications of this latest scandal, it remains committed to its goal of transforming the sport into one that is inclusive and free from all forms of discrimination. The journey towards creating a more welcoming environment for all, however, appears fraught with challenges, underscoring the complexity of addressing historical and systemic issues within the game.