Cricket Scotland Investigates Derogatory Tweets by Board Member Khizar Ali
Cricket Scotland has formally launched an investigation after historic tweets from Khizar Ali, a current board member, surfaced containing derogatory language. The tweets, which date back to 2012, include the use of the "P" word to refer to Pakistanis and other offensive remarks directed at Indians.
Ali, who joined the board as a regional representative in May 2023, has expressed regret over his past behavior. "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 stated.
Running out Racism's Call for Action
The organization Running out Racism, which has been closely associated with Ali, has demanded an urgent investigation into the matter. A spokesperson for Running out Racism remarked, "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."
Ali has acknowledged the impact of his remarks. "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," he added.
A History of Institutional Racism
This incident follows a significant overhaul within Cricket Scotland last year when an independent investigation unveiled 448 examples of institutional racism. The findings led to a complete restructuring of the board. A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland reiterated their commitment to inclusivity, saying, "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."
Community Reactions
The revelation of Ali's tweets has stirred strong emotions within the community. "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," a spokesperson for the organization conveyed. "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 investigation by Cricket Scotland is ongoing and it remains to be seen what the final outcomes and repercussions will be. The organization faces the challenge of aligning its current commitment to fighting discrimination with the actions of one of its board members, underscoring the complexities involved in addressing historical wrongs while fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.