Cricket Scotland commits to safer and more welcoming future

The Board of Cricket Scotland reiterates its apology to all who have been victims of racism and all other forms of discriminatory behaviour within our sport, following the conclusion of the independent referrals process.

After independent investigation of the referral cases, 13 were examined by the Conduct In Sport Manager for review. Five cases have progressed to Cricket Scotland’s disciplinary procedures.

All referrals were required to meet the following criteria in order to be progressed into Cricket Scotland’s disciplinary process:

1. Have sufficient evidence of a breach of rules;
2. Be clear what that rule is and that it was in place at the time, and;
3. Have the jurisdictional remit (or authority) to be able to take formal action and proceed to put the matter before a committee for a further hearing.

All complainants and respondents involved in concluded referral cases have now been communicated to formally.

It has always been the Board’s desire that correspondence to individuals involved in the referrals process, along with details of their cases, remain confidential.

However, in light of recent media comment and in the interests of transparency, the Board wishes to provide some clarification.

Specifically in relation to John Blain’s recent media comments, the decision taken by the former Interim CEO of Cricket Scotland, to inform Mr Blain of the outcome of his cases was based on reasons we have reiterated to his legal representatives and are unable to comment on publicly.

In the interests of clarity, Mr Blain’s cases were not progressed further due to a combination of insufficient evidence, a lack of an applicable rule at the time of the complaint, and/or a lack of jurisdictional remit or authority to take formal action.

We have set out our position to Mr Blain and his representatives and are engaging with them directly regarding his media comments.

For two years, the governing body has worked in cooperation with all parties involved to review and implement the necessary governance improvements.

We have made significant changes to our leadership and board structures to address the recommendations: a commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive, welcoming and prosperous future for our sport.

This work is ongoing and will require the collective support of sportscotland and multiple partners to maintain the progress made.

Wilf Walsh, Chair of Cricket Scotland: “The impact of historic racist behaviours on individual cricketers and others involved in the sport have left a long-lasting scar on our game. This has been an unacceptable and deeply regrettable period for Scottish cricket, and we are truly sorry to all those who have suffered.

“In a number of referral cases, there was either insufficient evidence to proceed, or we did not have the jurisdiction or the remit to take action and move matters into our disciplinary process based on the rules at the time of the alleged incidents. The new Board has ensured that this is remedied within our current articles of association and disciplinary procedures.

“It is the Board’s wish that reconciliation and where necessary, independent mediation is accepted by those involved, for the good of individual personal relationships and for the good of the sport in Scotland.

“The best interests of the game’s future in our country – for participants of all ages, backgrounds and abilities – can only truly be served by a period of stability, to allow the restoration of relationships and respectability.

“We are determined to be positive role models for sport in Scotland and strive to be a best practice national governing body.”

Trudy Lindblade, Cricket Scotland CEO: “It is clear that there are no ‘winners’ from this damaging and divisive period for cricket in Scotland. Since joining in February this year, I know for a fact that Cricket Scotland has been driven to learn from mistakes of the past to ensure they do not happen again.

“The legacy of the referrals process will be the wholesale restructuring of Cricket Scotland for the benefit of all within our sport. For that I would thank all of those who have come forward to share their experiences of institutional racism and other forms of discrimination, for their bravery in speaking out, and for their contribution to helping improve our sport.

“I, along with the Board, want cricket to become the most inclusive and welcoming sport in Scotland. Furthermore, I am determined that Cricket Scotland becomes a governing body we can be proud of; one that respects and values every individual within cricket, regardless of their background, identity, and beliefs, and is trusted to lead.

“However, I am fully aware of the amount of time and work that this will take, in particular in restoring trust to the people and communities who have suffered most.

“We greatly appreciate the support of our partners as we carry out this work, particularly sportscotland who have invested time and resource in helping to ensure the governing body could operate efficiently during this period.”

“I ask everyone within our game to embrace the improvements that have been made and those that are yet to come and work together with us to make cricket a place for all.”