Cricket Scotland has launched a formal investigation after it emerged that Khizar Ali, a member of its board, had previously tweeted derogatory remarks back in 2012. The tweets, which include the use of the racially offensive "P" word in reference to Pakistanis and other disparaging remarks aimed at Indians, have sparked widespread concern and calls for immediate action.
Ali, who became a regional representative on Cricket Scotland's board in May 2023, is now under intense scrutiny. The organization Running out Racism has been particularly vocal, pressing for an urgent investigation. A spokesperson for the group noted, "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."
A Troubling History
The controversy surrounding Ali comes at a sensitive time for Cricket Scotland. Just last year, an independent investigation revealed a staggering 448 examples of institutional racism within the governance of the sport in Scotland. The findings were so damning that they led to a complete overhaul of Cricket Scotland's board, underscoring the organization's commitment to eradicating discrimination and promoting inclusivity.
In response to the emerging scandal, Ali has acknowledged his past mistakes and issued an apology. "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," he stated.
The Path to Redemption
Ali's involvement with Running out Racism adds a complex layer to the issue. Members of the organization expressed surprise and disappointment at the revelations. "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," said a spokesperson for Running out Racism.
Despite the backlash, Ali has shown a willingness to address the matter head-on. "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 commented.
Cricket Scotland's Commitment to Change
Cricket Scotland's spokesperson reiterated the organization's zero-tolerance stance on discrimination. "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."
As the investigation unfolds, the cricketing community waits anxiously to see how Cricket Scotland will handle the issue. The organization’s recent history of dealing with racism offers a glimmer of hope that meaningful steps will be taken. Ali’s public acknowledgment of his past mistakes and his willingness to engage in discussions about the offensive tweets introduce a narrative of personal accountability and potential redemption.
In the broader context, this incident serves as a potent reminder of the enduring challenges in combatting racism within sports institutions. It emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to foster an environment where respect and inclusivity are paramount.