England captain Ben Stokes has apologised after a bombshell inquiry uncovered “widespread” racism, sexism, classism and elitism within the English cricket system.
The findings from the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket’s report, released on Tuesday, gathered evidence from more than 4,000 respondents from all levels of cricket, including recreational and professional.
The report concluded women were “subordinate” to men at all levels of the game, and “structural and institutional racism” as well as “elitism and class-based discrimination” was a problem at all levels of the game.
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In a verbal statement ahead of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, Stokes said he was “deeply sorry” to hear the report’s findings.
“It is clear there is so much more the game has to do and as players we really want to be a part of that to ensure this is truly a sport for everyone,” Stokes said.
“As a sport, we need to learn from past mistakes and do all we can to make people feel safe and be themselves at every level,” Stokes said.
“The game should be enjoyed without fear of discrimination.”
According to the BBC, Stokes, teammate and former captain Joe Root, and current women’s captain Heather Knight were among the 4000 respondents.
“To the people involved within the game who have been made to feel unwelcome, I am deeply sorry to hear of your experiences,” Stokes said in his statement.
“Cricket needs to celebrate diversity on all fronts, as without diversity it would not be the game it is today.
“We must go further and be more inclusive and diverse because the game I love and millions worldwide love should be enjoyed without fear of discrimination or judgement whether due to upbringing, race or gender.”
The report said the “class-based elitism” that was prevalent at the professional level was due to the over-representation of players with a private education.
While only seven per cent of the broader English population went to private school, some 58 per cent of men to play for England in 2021 were privately educated.
Stokes is in that minority.
“Everyone has a different story to tell,” Stokes said.
“I am Ben Stokes, born in New Zealand, a state educated pupil who dropped out of school at 16 …
“I needed help with the spelling and grammar in this speech and am currently sitting here as the England men’s Test captain.”
The report also highlighted that a women’s Test has never been held at Lord’s – an anomaly that is set to be rectified, but not until 2026.
The second Ashes Test gets underway on Wednesday night.
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