Anonymous survey launched by Cricket Scotland as part of racism inquiry

An anonymous survey has been launched for cricketers as part of an independent review into racism in the sport.

It was announced last year that a wide-ranging review would be launched after former Scotland players Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh alleged that Cricket Scotland, the governing body overseeing the sport, was “institutionally racist”.

Industry experts Plan4Sport were appointed to lead the process and said in January they had already had individuals stepping forward to speak to their team but that they would seek to hear from former and current players, administrators, umpires, staff and volunteers.

An update on Cricket Scotland’s website two weeks ago urged “anyone who has experienced or witnessed racism, inequalities or discrimination” to come forward and contact the organisation.

Now, the review team has launched the survey for people to share their experiences anonymously. The survey, which is available at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CricketScotlandCS, is part of a wider consultation exercise currently being undertaken by Plan4Sport. It will be made available in alternative languages including Urdu, Hindi, Gujarati and Gaelic as well as in hard copy and alternative formats.

Managing Director of Plan4Sport, Louise Tideswell, said: “This survey will give anyone connected to cricket in Scotland the opportunity to share their views and experiences on racism, inequalities and discrimination, as well the solutions needed to take the game forward and shape an inclusive, diverse and welcoming sport for everyone in the future. Your input is vital to this work and to the future of the sport.”

Sports Minister, Maree Todd, said: “We are clear that there is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in sport, or indeed wider society. I hope the anonymous nature of this survey encourages more people who have experienced racism, inequalities or discrimination to engage with this review so we can best address the issues and help eradicate racism.”

Chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “We understand that coming forward and sharing experiences can be difficult and even traumatic. However, this survey is completely confidential and nobody who takes part will be identified. I know for many people this won’t be easy but by contributing to this survey you will be helping address challenges facing the sport.”

Interim chief executive of Cricket Scotland, John Lunn, said: “We are committed to working with the review team at Plan4Sport and would encourage anyone who has experienced or witness racism, inequalities or discrimination to take part in this survey. This is an anonymous process and we want people to come forward and share what they have experienced.”

Paul Reddish from the Running Out Racism campaign said: “We’ve been heartened by the number of people willing to come forward to share their experience with the review team. We would encourage as many people as possible that have experienced or witnessed racism to get in touch with the review team direct.

“However, we recognise many are nervous of coming forward. This anonymous survey is an important step in providing additional and lighter routes to provide input and feedback into the review, and we encourage anyone who felt unable to come forward to this point to use this channel to help shape the future of Scottish cricket.”