Scotland Cricket found to be 'institutionally racist' following Majid Haq's allegations

Scotland Cricket board has been found ‘institutionally racist in an independent review, with further reports of the investigation due to be published on July 25. The decision to investigate the board came in the wake of allegations from former Scottish spinner Majid Haq in November last year.

Scotland’s leading wicket-taker Majid, along with former teammate Qasim Sheikh, had made allegations that they were victims of racist abuse during their playing career due to their skin color. Following the duo’s revelations, an organization named Plan4Sport was appointed by SportScotland to conduct an independent review in the matter.

The organisations took input from hundreds of people to conduct their investigation, and the reports lead to a devastating read for Scotland Cricket.

“The fundamental claim at the start of this was about institutional racism at the heart of cricket. This review concludes that it’s very much the case,” a source was quoted as saying on Sky Sports

Aamer Anwar, who represents both the former Scottish cricketers in the court of law, did not mince his words following the report and had scathing remarks against Cricket Scotland, labeling them as “dysfunctional and institutionally racist”.

“Cricket Scotland is dysfunctional and institutionally racist – if that is confirmed by this review, it will be devastating for Cricket Scotland. There are those within the organization who should be ashamed of their treatment of Majid and Qasim and so many other cricketers who gave their lives to cricket but saw their careers taken away from them,” Anwar told Sky Sports.

Racism is rewarded  with promotions and status in cricket: Aamer Anwar

The lawyer further went on to state that if the incident had taken place in any other profession, the perpetrators would find themselves out of a job and behind bars. But in cricket, instead of an indictment, they receive promotions and are rewarded with higher status. He said that racism has been prevalent in Cricket Scotland for many years, from generations of cricketers.

“In any other walk of life, the individuals responsible would find themselves out of a job, in a jail cell, or banished from public life. Yet, when it comes to cricket, they are rewarded with promotions and status. Racism exists in Cricket Scotland, and my clients know that has been the case for many years, through generations of cricketers,” Aamer added.