Cricket Scotland has initiated a formal investigation following the revelation of offensive historical tweets by Khizar Ali, a recently appointed board member. The posts from 2012, which resurfaced recently, included derogatory language aimed at Pakistanis and Indians. This has set off calls for an urgent probe, particularly from the anti-racism advocacy group Running out Racism, with whom Ali has been involved.
A Shock to the System
The resurfacing of these tweets has shaken both the cricketing community and those dedicated to combating racism within the sport. Khizar Ali, who joined Cricket Scotland's board as a regional representative in May 2023, has now found himself at the center of controversy.
In a public statement, Ali acknowledged the gravity of his past comments, expressing regret for his actions. "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.
Running out Racism was quick to respond to the unfolding situation. A spokesperson for the organization remarked, "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."
A History of Institutional Racism
Just last year, Cricket Scotland underwent significant changes following an independent investigation that revealed institutional racism within its governance. The investigation identified 448 examples of institutional racism, prompting a complete overhaul of the board. This history echoes loudly in the current situation, spotlighting the struggle Cricket Scotland faces as it strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
A Cricket Scotland spokesperson reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to combating discrimination, 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."
Community Reaction and Moving Forward
The reaction from the community has been one of shock and disappointment. Members of Running out Racism expressed their dismay. "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," said a spokesperson for the group.
Despite the outrage, there has also been an acknowledgment of Ali's willingness to address the issue. "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 Running out Racism spokesperson added.
Ali himself has expressed a desire to engage in open dialogue to address concerns about his past behavior. "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," he stated.
A Step Towards Accountability
The internal investigation announced by Cricket Scotland aims to delve deeper into the matter, assessing the implications of Ali's historical comments and determining the appropriate course of action. The process signifies a crucial step in Cricket Scotland's ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive culture within the sport.
This recent incident underscores the broader systemic issues that Cricket Scotland continues to grapple with. The organization’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and other forms of discrimination will undoubtedly be tested in how it navigates and resolves the controversy surrounding Khizar Ali.