Cricket Scotland has been thrust into the spotlight following the emergence of historical tweets by board member Khizar Ali, containing derogatory language. The tweets, which date back to 2012, include the use of the "P" word directed at Pakistanis and other offensive remarks targeting Indians.
Ali's Historical Tweets
Khizar Ali, who joined Cricket Scotland’s board as a regional representative in May 2023, is now under scrutiny as screenshots of his past comments circulate. Recognizing the gravity of his past actions, Ali offered an apology, saying, "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."
A Wider Investigation
Cricket Scotland has initiated a formal investigation into the matter, underscoring its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment. The organization is no stranger to such scrutiny, having undergone significant upheaval last year. An independent investigation revealed 448 instances of institutional racism, leading to a complete overhaul of the board.
The spokesperson for Cricket Scotland reiterated this commitment, stating, "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."
Running out Racism's Response
The advocacy group Running out Racism, with which Ali has been involved, has also weighed in. A spokesperson for the organization expressed the community's surprise and disappointment: "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's Efforts to Address the Issue
Ali has shown a willingness to engage with those affected by his past remarks. He addressed concerns about other tweets being taken out of context and committed to open dialogues: "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."
Moving Forward
As Cricket Scotland navigates this crisis, it stands at a crossroads, balancing its recent progress against the risk of regressing on issues of inclusion and discrimination. The organization’s past experiences with institutional racism serve as both a cautionary tale and a foundation for future improvements. The ongoing investigation into Ali's tweets will be critical in determining Cricket Scotland’s path forward and reaffirming its dedication to a zero-tolerance policy on racism and other forms of discrimination.
This incident underscores the importance of accountability and the challenges faced by organizations striving to overcome historical prejudices. As the investigation proceeds, the actions taken by Cricket Scotland will be closely watched by the cricketing community and beyond. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the sport remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all participants.