More than a THIRD of BAME cricketers have experienced racism in the county game, says survey

More than a THIRD of BAME cricketers have experienced racism in the county game according to a survey of 600 players… as Professional Cricketers Association chief insists game ‘needs to take action’ amid shocking statistics

  • Professional Cricketers Association surveyed 600 former and current players
  • Over a third of BAME cricketers have experienced racism in the county game
  • Of those players, 45 per cent reported that racism came from another player
  • PCA chief executive says new survey proves the game needs to take action 

Over a third of black and ethnic minority cricketers have experienced racism in the county game according to a new survey produced by the Professional Cricketers Association. 

In the first poll of its kind the PCA questioned 600 current and former players on issues regarding race and diversity at the end of last season, with over 10 per cent of the 173 respondents saying they had witnessed racism on the county circuit.

Whilst players from both Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and white backgrounds claimed to have been victims of racism, the figures are significantly higher for the former group, who are significantly underrepresented in the sport. 

Over a third of BAME players in the county game said they had experienced racism

Of the 12 BAME players who said they had suffered racism 10 currently have county contracts, which makes up 38 per cent of players from that background, whilst the number of BAME players who have witnessed racism equates to around 31 per cent of those on county staffs.

Sportsmail revealed the shocking racial divide within English cricket last September, with the sport’s lack of diversity exacerbating the problems highlighted by the PCA’s survey. 

Of those players who have experienced or witnessed racism 45 per cent reported that it came from another player, with 23 per cent pin-pointing fans and 16 per cent social media. 

The PCA are seeking to improve the situation by rolling out a massive education programme this season, with workshops on cultural differences and unconscious bias to be delivered to all male and female county and international teams from March. 

Mohammed Siraj of India (right) was subjected to racist abuse from the crowd in a recent international Test match against Australia in Sydney

Mohammed Siraj of India (right) was subjected to racist abuse from the crowd in a recent international Test match against Australia in Sydney

An indication that better education could be the key is found in the PCA survey, with 62 per cent of those who experienced or witnessed racism saying it sprang from misguided attempts at banter. In addition the ECB will introduce a code of conduct ahead of the 2021 season with set punishments for discriminatory behaviour for the first time.

‘Racism in the game is unacceptable and the game needs to take action,’ said PCA chief executive Rob Lynch. ‘Players have asked for education and clarity on the reporting of discriminatory behaviours and for the development of a code of conduct, which we will deliver on this year. 

‘There is plenty of work to be done in the fight for equality, but we will continue to strive to ensure that professional cricket is a game for all.’