At the end of a week of almost unprecedented turmoil in cricket, ECB Managing Director Tom Harrison has pledged to stay in his post and pledged “tangible commitments” – in the form of a plan in place. 12 points to be announced next Wednesday – to make cricket more inclusive after meeting at the Kia Oval.
Azeem Rafiq’s revelations about the racism he suffered in Yorkshire rocked the game, especially as he was able to lay them bare in excruciating detail under parliamentary privilege before MPs in Westminster on Tuesday .
On Friday, the ECB held an “all in play” meeting at the Kia Oval, attended by MCC, PCA and counties – national and first class.
ECB Managing Director Harrison appeared outside the oval. He said he was confident he retained the support of the game to continue his work and fight racism, after reading a lukewarm statement gathered at the meeting.
“I am determined to lead this change through cricket. I feel passionate about this question. It’s something that I feel deep inside me. I have tried to lead an inclusive and diverse sport since I took over as GM in 2015. I feel very motivated and very supported to make the change happen in the game.
“I got the support of the game today, absolutely”
The statement said the game was “united” in the fight against discrimination. He said “tangible commitments” had been discussed, with details to be “finalized” in the coming days.
“Azeem Rafiq shed light on our game which shocked, shamed and saddened us all,” the statement read.
“Racism and discrimination are a scourge on our sport. To Azeem and to all those who have experienced any form of discrimination, we are very sorry. Our sport did not welcome you, our game did not accept you as we should have. We wholeheartedly apologize for your suffering.
“We stand in solidarity against discrimination in all its forms and as a sport to act. We will continue to listen and make rapid, positive changes to the culture of the game. We will embrace and celebrate differences everywhere, knowing that with diversity we are stronger.
“Today as a game we discussed a series of tangible commitments to making cricket a sport where everyone feels safe and where everyone feels included. We will now finalize the detail and publish these actions next week.
“Our game must regain your confidence.
Pressed to find out what it all meant, Harrison said, “We focused on the action today. Speaking to cricket fans who will be watching the game as a whole very carefully for tangible action, this is what we will deliver. Whether it’s culture change in the dressing room, staff recruitment standards throughout the game, a range of different points across 12 areas.
We will look for concrete actions to make sure we have an impact on the ground.
“What are the reasons why we have cultural difficulties in the locker room? What is the reason that this heinous behavior of racism in our game has attacked the high performance space? These are the kinds of areas we will take a closer look at, and publish on Wednesday. “
.
Sports standard