Cricket Scotland has found itself embroiled in controversy as it conducts a formal investigation into Khizar Ali, a recently appointed member of its board, after historical tweets containing derogatory language surfaced. The tweets, posted in 2012, include the use of the offensive "P" word in reference to Pakistanis and disparaging remarks aimed at Indians. This discovery has not only sparked an urgent investigation but also reignited discussions about racism within the sport.
Historical Tweets Emerge
Khizar Ali, who joined Cricket Scotland's board as a regional representative in May 2023, faces scrutiny for tweets made over a decade ago. A spokesperson for Running out Racism, an advocacy group focusing on eradicating discrimination, emphasized the gravity of the tweets, stating, "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."
Responding to the backlash, Ali issued a heartfelt apology, acknowledging the pain his words may have caused. He stated, "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."
Running out Racism's Reaction
The tweets have drawn a strong reaction, particularly from Running out Racism, with whom Ali has been actively involved. The organization expressed deep disappointment, noting, "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."
Ali also defended himself, claiming some of the tweets were taken out of context. He stated, "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."
Cricket Scotland's Commitment to Change
This incident arrives at a time when Cricket Scotland is under intense scrutiny for its efforts to combat racism within the sport. Last year, an independent investigation revealed the presence of institutional racism, identifying 448 examples. This led to a complete overhaul of the board in a bid to create a more inclusive atmosphere.
A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland reiterated the organization's commitment to eradicating discrimination: "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."
As Cricket Scotland navigates through this crisis, it underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities in addressing and eliminating racism within sports organizations. The current investigation into Khizar Ali serves as another critical step in Cricket Scotland's journey towards an inclusive future for everyone involved in the sport.