Cricket Scotland has embarked on a formal investigation concerning Khizar Ali, one of its board members, following the discovery of problematic tweets he posted in 2012. These tweets included derogatory language, notably the "P" word used in reference to Pakistanis, as well as other offensive comments targeting Indians.
A Call for Urgent Investigation
Ali, who became a regional representative on Cricket Scotland's board in May 2023, is now under scrutiny as these historical tweets have resurfaced. The organization Running out Racism, with whom Ali has been involved, has called for an urgent investigation into the matter.
A spokesperson from Running out Racism expressed dismay, 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."
Khizar Ali’s Response
Ali himself has faced the situation head-on, acknowledging the hurt his words caused. "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," Ali stated.
In addition, he has expressed his willingness to discuss these matters directly with those impacted, noting, "There are also various other tweets which are being shared out of context of the conversation they sit within, and I am willing to commit to any discussions directly with anyone who has any concerns on these, as I have already with a number of colleagues."
Cricket Scotland’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Cricket Scotland has been keen to demonstrate its commitment to an inclusive environment, particularly following significant organizational changes last year. The overhaul came after an independent investigation unearthed 448 examples of institutional racism within the governance of the sport in Scotland, prompting a complete change of Cricket Scotland’s board.
A spokesperson from Cricket Scotland reaffirmed their dedication to a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination: "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."
Running out Racism, while acknowledging the distress caused by Ali’s past remarks, also recognized his proactive efforts to address the fallout. A spokesperson for the group commented, "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, it is difficult at this stage to work beyond how people feel in the immediate term. However, we do acknowledge Khizar’s willingness to proactively own this, and appreciate the conversations he's engaged in directly with us and many others regarding these messages."
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges facing organizations in their efforts to eliminate discrimination and create inclusive environments. As Cricket Scotland continues its investigation and organizations like Running out Racism remain vigilant, the hope is that these efforts will lead to meaningful changes and greater sensitivity within the cricketing community.