Discrimination in cricket: MPs to question Colin Graves, ECB and Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket

Tuesday 20^th February at 10am, Room TBC

Yorkshire County Cricket Club Chair designate Colin Graves will appear before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a session examining the progress made tackling discrimination in the sport since the publication of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report last year.

The Committee will first take evidence from ICEC Chair Cindy Butts alongside two commissioners. The panel will be asked about the findings and recommendations from the commission’s report, which concluded that racism, class-based discrimination, elitism and sexism are widespread and deep-rooted in cricket.

Senior figures from the ECB will then face questions on the progress the governing body and the sport in general has made in making cricket a more inclusive game. The organisation set out in September the steps it planned to take in response to the ICEC findings.

MPs will then question Mr Graves, who will appear alongside outgoing Yorkshire CCC Chair Harry Chathli, about his plans for the club following his impending takeover and his approach to tackling racism and discrimination.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, said: “Last year’s ICEC report observed discrimination at all levels of the game. Our evidence session will be an opportunity to explore the ECB’s response and whether those in charge of cricket are serious about taking the steps needed to root out discrimination and inequality in the sport.

“On the Yorkshire takeover, while Colin Graves has now apologised to those who experienced racism, and for his dismissive approach to those who suffered, during his last spell at the club, we want to make sure that lessons have been learnt and attitudes have changed.”

The Committee published a report on racism in cricket in January 2002, following an examination of racism at Yorkshire.

Witnesses

At 10am

• Cindy Butts, Chair, Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket
• Sir Brendan Barber, Commissioner, Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket
• Dr Michael Collins, Commissioner, Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket

At 11am

• Richard Thompson, Chair, England and Wales Cricket Board
• Richard Gould, Chief Executive, England and Wales Cricket Board
• Clare Connor CBE, Deputy CEO & Managing Director, England and Wales Cricket Board

At 12pm

• Harry Chathli, Chair, Yorkshire County Cricket Club
• Colin Graves, Chair nominee, Yorkshire County Cricket Club