Cricket Scotland has been thrust into the spotlight once again, as it addresses a new controversy involving one of its board members. Khizar Ali, who joined the board as a regional representative in May 2023, has come under fire for offensive tweets he posted over a decade ago. The tweets, which date back to 2012, include derogatory language towards Pakistanis and Indians, raising significant concerns within the cricket and broader community.
Historical Tweets Surface
The tweets in question came to light recently, revealing Ali's use of the "P" word when referring to Pakistanis, along with other demeaning remarks aimed at Indians. These revelations have prompted Running out Racism, an organization focused on combating racism in cricket, to call for an urgent investigation into the matter.
Ali has directly addressed the issue, expressing regret for his earlier conduct. "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 said.
He further acknowledged the complex nature of the context surrounding the tweets, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue. "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 added.
Cricket Scotland's Response
This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time for Cricket Scotland, which has been undergoing significant organizational changes following an independent investigation last year. The investigation uncovered 448 examples of institutional racism within the governance structure, leading to a complete overhaul of the board. The new board has since vowed to foster an inclusive environment and to eliminate all forms of discrimination in the sport.
A spokesperson from Cricket Scotland reiterated this commitment in light of the recent developments. "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."
Running out Racism's Stance
Running out Racism, which has also been associated with Ali, expressed its disappointment and the emotional toll the revelations have taken on the community. A spokesperson for the organization noted, "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."
The call for an investigation highlights the ongoing effort to hold individuals accountable for any form of racist behavior, whether past or present. Cricket Scotland's past issues with institutional racism underscore the importance of maintaining vigilance and ensuring that the sport is accessible and enjoyable for all participants, regardless of their background.
As the investigation progresses, the cricketing community and the public at large will be keenly observing the steps taken by Cricket Scotland to address this issue. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against racism within sports and the broader society, highlighting the need for continued efforts to create an inclusive environment for everyone involved in the game.