'Aur ye World Champions hai' - Fans react as ICEC's report sheds lights on increasing racism and sexism in England Cricket

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In a recent report released by the International Cricket Equality Committee (ICEC), concerns were raised over increasing discrimination and sexism in English Cricket. The findings expose a concerning reality that requires immediate attention and action from the authorities involved.

One of the most disheartening revelations from the report is that a staggering 87% of Bangladeshis and Pakistanis, as well as 82% of Indian fans, have faced discrimination within the last five years. This alarming level of discrimination is a stark reminder that racism remains deeply rooted in English cricket, undermining its ethos of fair play and equality.

Furthermore, the ICEC's report highlights the failure of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to address the concerns of the black community. With racial disparities persisting and opportunities for black players limited, the ECB must take responsibility and initiate proactive measures to rectify this glaring inequality.

Women Cricketers face a gender pay gap in the ECB

The report also sheds light on the prevalent misogyny within English Cricket. Women's players face not only a significant gender pay gap but also a lack of recognition and support. The inadequate salary structures for female cricketers are a clear reflection of the underlying gender biases and discriminatory practices prevalent within the sport. Addressing this disparity requires a collective effort, not only from the ECB but also from sponsors and broadcasters who hold significant influence in shaping the sport's future.

Meanwhile, the ECB acknowledged the need for reforms and changes. They also apologised for the incidents. The board also said that it will work with authorization to implement the 44 suggestions mentioned in the ICEC Report. "On behalf of the ECB and wider leadership of the game, I apologise unreservedly to anyone who has ever been excluded from cricket or made to feel like they don't belong," England Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson said in a statement.

"Cricket should be a game for everyone, and we know that this has not always been the case. Powerful conclusions within the report also highlight that for too long, women and Black people were neglected. We are truly sorry for this", he further added.

Here is how fans react to the issues highlighted in the ICEC report: 

28 Dutch players are playing in English County Cricket, same with Ireland and Scotland. Pioneering the growth of Cricket in Europe.
We have 3-4 test teams in south Asia.
What have the big test teams done for the growth of Small nation's in this region ?

— Pujan.Rokaya.7🇳🇵 (@PujanRokaya) June 27, 2023

kisi ne pucha kya brotha??

— Aishaaa (@starryTrouble) June 27, 2023

Banned them permanently.... pic.twitter.com/V8WfBjIkox

— B. /🐦 (@mcg82__) June 27, 2023

Sad that No one reported favoritism and no accountability of Indian cricket

— Jaymin Diwanji (@JayminDiwanji) June 27, 2023

Or castism toh only India me hoti hai 🌝

— Siddharth Kaurav (@SiddharthKaura2) June 27, 2023

Arrest Ben stokes 🤬

— Vamshidhar (@Vamshidhar_18) June 27, 2023

pic.twitter.com/EfEMYDi3NR

— faria (@faria_chy66) June 27, 2023

Let's laugh at finished pengland 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭

— MS Dhoni (@MahendraSi45845) June 27, 2023

Still they win icc tournaments ;)

— Market Makku (@IKuramasaki) June 27, 2023

And still there are some Indians that twirk for these white racists 🤢🤢🤮

— Broncos 2022 (@2022_broncos) June 27, 2023

Salary might be proportionate to revenue

— A (@sad_nature) June 27, 2023

Let them play for their asian land first.

— Shantanu Sharma (@_ShantanuSharma) June 27, 2023