news

Cricket Scotland board resigns with immediate effect following racism claims

The report is set to back Majid Haq's claims along with another Scotland cricketer Qasim Sheikh as both players suffered abuse throughout their careers

Cricket Scotland board resigns with immediate effect following racism claims PHOTO: Gallo Images

Racism has yet again rocked the world of cricket as board of Cricket Scotland has resigned on the eve of publication of a review into institutional racism in the sport in Scotland.

The report is commissioned by SportScotland and is set to be published on Monday. The report's foundation is based on Scotland bowler Majid Haq's claims as the bowler was sent back home in the 2015 World Cup. Majid has not featured for Scotland since then as he claims to have been victimized based on his race.

The report is set to back Majid Haq's claims along with another Scotland cricketer Qasim Sheikh. Both players suffered abuse throughout their careers, similar to Azeem Rafiq's situation in England.

The resignation letter offered by interim CEO Gordon Authur and Cricket Scotland's board members, both offered their apologies for overseeing a culture that had major loopholes.

Speaking about the significance of the report, it was said that it will be a "watershed moment for Scottish sport and society."

"We are all truly sorry and have apologized publicly to everyone who has experienced racism, or any other form of discrimination, in cricket in Scotland," the board wrote.

"This is, without doubt, the start of another long journey to overhaul and modernize the governance of the sport to ensure its continued success in the years ahead," the resignation letter further stated.

A Cricket Scotland spokesperson said that this has been an "exceptionally challenging" time for the board and for everyone involved with Scotland Cricket.

"We have been made aware of the board's decision and as the national agency for sport, we will take immediate steps to provide significant additional governance and leadership support to Cricket Scotland," remarked the spokesperson.