#CallItOut campaign launched to tackle racism in Scottish cricket

Cricket Scotland has appealed to the sport’s grassroots community to back a new anti-racism campaign.

The sport’s #CallItOut programme is being launched while an independent review is being launched into racism in cricket in Scotland.

The results of the review are to be published next month but ahead of its conclusions, Cricket Scotland, sportscotland and leading anti-racism campaign group, Running Out Racism, have linked up to encourage those involved in the sport to take a stand against racism, discrimination and inequalities.

Regional associations, clubs and members are being encouraged to share the campaign’s hashtag on social media to help raise awareness and eradicate racism from cricket.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “There should be no place for racism in cricket. It is vital that we all stand together and make sure that we play our part in running out racism in the sport that so many people love.

“I am sure that the cricket community will get behind this campaign and take a stand against racism.”

Interim chair of Cricket Scotland, Sue Strachan, said: “Racism, discrimination and inequalities have no place within cricket in Scotland and as an organisation we are committed to changing and improving to ensure this is stamped out. This campaign is an opportunity for clubs and regional associations across Scotland to take a stand and show that racism won’t be tolerated in cricket. Pledge your support and let’s #CallItOut.”

Paul Reddish from the Running Out Racism campaign said: “Racism has no place in cricket. If we are to eradicate it fully it needs a huge commitment from top to bottom, with all individuals and institutions pulling together and doing the work to remove it from our game. This campaign gives the opportunity for clubs and players to visibly demonstrate their commitment to doing their bit in achieving this important goal.”

Cricket Scotland announced last week that they had paused the recruitment process for a new chief executive as they await the findings of the independent review.

The process began after the sport was rocked by allegations of racism, with former international players Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh saying it was institutional and deep-rooted.