Cricket Scotland Initiates Investigation Following Controversial Tweets by Board Member Khizar Ali
Cricket Scotland Initiates Investigation Following Controversial Tweets by Board Member Khizar Ali
Cricket Scotland has found itself at the epicenter of a significant controversy following the discovery of historic tweets by Khizar Ali, a recently appointed member of its board. Screenshots from Ali's tweets dating back to 2012 surfaced, revealing the use of derogatory language, including the "P" word in reference to Pakistanis and various offensive remarks directed at Indians.
Khizar Ali, who joined the board as a regional representative in May 2023, has since issued a public apology. He acknowledged the hurt his words from over a decade ago may have caused: "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 Calls for Urgent Action
Running out Racism, an organization Ali has been involved with, was quick to respond, expressing their disappointment and calling for an immediate investigation. A spokesperson for the organization stated, "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 racialized communities. This includes racially offensive terms, such as the P word on numerous occasions."
The organization further voiced their surprise and 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. 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."
Cricket Scotland's Pledge for Inclusivity and Zero Tolerance
The incident has prompted Cricket Scotland to reaffirm its commitment to creating an inclusive environment and tackling all forms of discrimination. A spokesperson for the organization emphasized the board’s dedication to change: "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 behavior."
This pledge for inclusivity echoes the significant changes Cricket Scotland undertook last year. An independent investigation had previously identified 448 examples of institutional racism within the sport's governance in Scotland. The findings led to a complete overhaul of the board, emphasizing the organization's serious commitment to reform.
Ali's Efforts to Address Concerns
Khizar Ali, meanwhile, has expressed his willingness to address these concerns head-on. He has noted that some of the tweets being circulated are taken out of context and is open to engaging in dialogue about these issues. "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," Ali stated.
The controversy comes at a crucial juncture for Cricket Scotland, which has been under scrutiny for its handling of racism within the sport. The organization’s actions in light of Ali's old tweets will be closely watched by the cricketing community and broader public as it strives to uphold its pledge to foster an inclusive and respectful environment for all.
As Cricket Scotland continues its investigation, the focus remains on achieving a system that genuinely supports and embraces diversity. The organization’s handling of this incident will be pivotal in shaping its future, particularly in restoring trust and moving beyond the shadows of past failings.
