Cricket Scotland has launched a formal investigation following distressing revelations about Khizar Ali, a current member of its board. Controversy erupted when historic tweets from Ali, dating back to 2012, resurfaced, revealing the use of derogatory language towards Pakistanis and Indians.
Ali, who joined Cricket Scotland's board as a regional representative in May 2023, has found himself at the center of an urgent probe called for by the advocacy group Running out Racism. This group, which Ali has been involved with, was surprised and dismayed by the offensive nature of the tweets. A spokesperson for Running out Racism commented, "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 tweets have triggered a wave of upset and anger within the South Asian and cricketing communities. Addressing the issue, Ali issued a public apology: "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."
Despite the remorse expressed by Ali, the damage has been substantial. Running out Racism conveyed the sentiments of their members: "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 incident comes at a critical juncture for Cricket Scotland, which underwent significant upheaval last year. An independent investigation revealed a staggering 448 examples of institutional racism within the governance of the game in Scotland. As a result, Cricket Scotland's board was completely reconstituted, part of a broader effort to foster an inclusive environment and eradicate all forms of discrimination. A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland reiterated their commitment, 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."
Ali also addressed concerns over the perceived context of some of his other tweets, offering to engage in dialogue with those affected: "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."
The unfolding investigation will not only scrutinize the specifics of Ali's past remarks but also test the robustness of Cricket Scotland's reformed governance structures. As the organization grapples with these revelations, the focus will undoubtedly be on whether their renewed commitment to inclusivity and zero-tolerance towards racism can withstand such a profound challenge. The cricketing community, both in Scotland and beyond, will be watching closely.