The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) has revealed that English and Welsh cricket are plagued by racism, sexism, classism, and elitism. Stokes, speaking before the start of the second men’s Ashes Test at Lord’s, emphasized the need for cricket to become more inclusive and diverse.
The comprehensive report, released earlier this week, examined both recreational and professional cricket and incorporated the perspectives of over 4,000 respondents. It unveiled that the game continues to suffer from “structural and institutional racism,” women face subordination at all levels of the sport, and there is a prevalent culture of “elitism and class-based discrimination” within cricket.
Stokes acknowledged the sport’s shortcomings and stressed the importance of rectifying past mistakes. He expressed his desire to actively contribute to the transformation of cricket into a truly inclusive and welcoming sport for all individuals. “The game should be enjoyed without fear of discrimination,” he declared.
The commission received testimony from several notable figures, including England women’s captain Heather Knight and former men’s skipper Joe Root. Cindy Butts, chair of the report, confirmed that problems were identified “throughout cricket, including the England dressing room.”
Stokes, in his statement, extended his heartfelt apologies to those who have felt marginalized within the game, emphasizing the significance of diversity in cricket.
The report additionally shed light on the influence of private schools in nurturing cricket talent and the lack of cricket programs in state schools, which contributes to the perpetuation of “elitism and class-based discrimination.”
Notably, 58% of the men who represented England in 2021 were privately educated, a disproportionately high figure compared to the 7% of the general population attending private schools.
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Stokes shared his own personal story, highlighting the diversity of experiences within cricket. He revealed that he was born in New Zealand, attended a state school, and dropped out at the age of 16 with only one GCSE in Physical Education.
He humbly acknowledged that he required assistance with the spelling and grammar in his statement and emphasized that he now proudly serves as the England men’s Test captain.