Cricket Scotland has launched a formal investigation after it emerged that Khizar Ali, a newly-appointed board member, had previously posted tweets containing derogatory language. These tweets, dating back to 2012, included the “P” word aimed at Pakistanis along with other offensive remarks directed at Indians. Ali’s past comments have ignited a wave of concern and disappointment within the cricketing community.
Controversy Surrounding Khizar Ali
Khizar Ali, who joined Cricket Scotland’s board as a regional representative in May 2023, found himself at the center of attention following the resurfacing of his controversial tweets. The revelation has prompted immediate reactions and a call for an urgent investigation from Running out Racism, an organization dedicated to combating racism within the sport.
In a statement addressing the issue, Ali expressed his remorse, saying, “There were recent screenshots shared of historic tweets from 2012 where I used the P word. The reading of the word in full for some within the South Asian and cricketing communities will invoke and trigger upset. To anyone who has to read that and it caused upset, I want to extend my sincere apologies to you.” He also acknowledged that various tweets are being shared without full context and expressed his willingness to discuss the matter directly with those concerned.
Running out Racism’s Response
Running out Racism, which Ali has been involved with, reacted strongly to the tweets. A spokesperson for the organization emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We have been made aware of the historic tweets circulating in relation to Cricket Scotland board member and WDCU chair Khizar Ali, from 2012 which include comments regarding various racialised communities. This includes racially offensive terms, such as the P word on numerous occasions.”
The spokesperson continued, “Running out Racism members are surprised, dismayed and feel incredibly let down that someone we've a huge amount of respect for would use such words, in any context, at any point in history. This has caused upset and anger with some we support and represent.” Despite the disappointment, the organization acknowledged Ali’s proactive approach in addressing the issue and engaging in conversations to resolve these concerns.
Cricket Scotland’s Commitment to Inclusivity
This incident comes in the wake of significant changes within Cricket Scotland. Last year, an independent investigation unveiled a culture of institutional racism within the governance of the sport in Scotland, identifying 448 examples of such behavior. Consequently, the entire board of Cricket Scotland was overhauled to foster a more inclusive environment and ensure a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination.
A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland reaffirmed their stance on inclusivity, stating, “The board of Cricket Scotland was completely changed last year after an independent investigation found the governance of the game in Scotland to be institutionally racist. We are committed to ensuring that our sport is safe, welcoming, inclusive, and open to all. We are determined to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to racism, sexism, and all forms of unacceptable behaviour.”
This commitment to change underscores the need for a thorough investigation into Ali’s past remarks and the importance of addressing any form of racism within the organization decisively. The ongoing scrutiny aims to uphold the values of respect and integrity that are central to the sport.
As Cricket Scotland navigates this challenging episode, the focus remains on fostering an environment that is welcoming to all. The resolution of this investigation will be crucial in setting a precedent and reinforcing the organization's dedication to eradicating discrimination in all its forms.