IS CRICKET RACIST?

Abstract

This essay delves into the findings of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report, it reveals the deep-rooted challenges within cricket. The report exposes ongoing structural racism, sexism, elitism and class based discrimination prevalent in English and Welsh cricket. It precisely examines the historical backdrop of these issues in which it acknowledges both individual and institutional implications within sport.

Focusing primarily on racism and classism, within the English and Welsh cricket scene, the essay reviews the disparities in leadership diversity and the exclusionary culture within the sport. The report uses impactful examples that include personal experiences and explains the immense impact of privilege and the systemic barriers faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially those that are educated in state schools or are of South Asian heritage.

The essay investigates deeply into the report exploring the medias influence and portrayal from comparing a Channel 4 documentary to a right wing newspaper (The Daily Telegraph). The essay investigates institutional influence and historical context in shaping cricket’s discriminatory landscape. Drawing on a range of resources such as scholarly and media coverage seeking the underlying systemic issues highlighted in the ICEC report. The essay aims to shed light on the deep rooted discrimination within the sport and how media influence has positive and negative effects on public perception.

The Channel 4 documentary has shed light on longstanding institutional issues, drawing attention from the general public. However, it only reveals the deeply imbedded problems that lie within the games culture. By portraying real individuals and their stories, the documentary shows the severity of the issue, unfortunately the deeply embedded issues will require much more than the documentary by Channel 4 to be resolved.  

Introduction 

This essay investigates critical issues highlighted by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report. Cricket, a sport once celebrated as a ‘game for all’ is under scrutiny with the report exposing long standing problems within the sports institution (ICEC 2023a).

The ICEC report is the findings of the commissioners’ work (Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket). It is noted that racism was flagged as a concern in the game over two decades ago in the ‘Clean Bowl Racism’ report. The findings of the most recent report still identifies “deeply rooted and widespread forms of structural and institutional racism continue to exist across the game” (ICEC 2023b:5).

The report investigates discrimination, racism, sexism, elitism, and class-based discrimination, within English and Welsh cricket. It notes the historical context of these problems and acknowledges that while not everyone in the cricket community is discriminatory, there are institutional issues that continue (ICEC 2023b:7).

The report has 44 suggestions in which the ECB should review and address to make change, essential in making it a game for all, as the ECB insists. It emphasizes that equity should be achieved through policy and cultural changes (ICEC 2023e).

However, it acknowledges that the issues identified in cricket are not unique to the sport but are reflective of broader societal problems. The report notes improvements in the ECB's approach, following the introduction of its independent Board in 2018. It expresses confidence in the new leadership's commitment to achieving meaningful change, being a step in the right direction. “It is our view that the ECB’s new leadership brings with it a renewed drive to achieve meaningful change” (ICEC 2023b:8).

The evidence presented in the report indicates people's experiences in cricket are influenced by their backgrounds, challenging the notion that cricket is a game for everyone. It also points out the prevalence of an elitist and exclusionary culture within English and Welsh cricket, which stemmed from the top. The report calls for a three yearly ongoing assessment, to monitor and serve as a ‘progress update’ for reflection on the game's equity.

I will be looking at classism discrimination but particularly racism within English and Welsh cricket. The report highlights this in several ways, one point that stands out is the lack of diversity in leadership. It noted this does not adequately represent the diversity of the game's participants and the broader population (ICEC 2023b:8). The report calls for action to improve diversity and inclusion. It includes a quote from an ‘Asian (Pakistani) man, state school, former player’ “All the stories that Azeem Rafiq talks about have happened to me, abuse, isolation and hatred. [Teammates] poured alcohol on me and threw bacon sandwiches, I have lived with it and never spoke out about it” (ICEC 2023c:57).

I have personal experience of a system allowing privileges for a few, although the word privileged can be viewed differently from person to person as everyone has different experiences and factors affecting their life. Attending a private school does give benefit and an improved chance for players within cricket.

The ICEC report serves as a revealing document, exposing deeply embedded racism and discrimination prevalent in English and Welsh cricket. It points out the unequal treatment faced by players from diverse backgrounds together with the lack of diversity in leadership roles, demonstrating how crickets culture excludes many, especially South Asian backgrounds and those educated in state schools (ICEC 2023a). Although many other aspects were highlighted the essay focuses on these main elements. “This Report is the culmination of the Commission’s work. For many involved in the sport (including the ECB) the revelations and recommendations of this Report will make for uncomfortable reading. It feels even more uncomfortable as these concerns were raised over two decades ago when the ‘Clean Bowl Racism’ report identified racism as a problem in cricket.” (ICEC 2023b:5)   

The essay explores and investigates the historical context, and how media portrays an article to influence and reach a large audience, together with an institutions impact on the sport of cricket. The essay will draw upon a range of resources ‘Beyond the (Hughson and Hughson 2021), ‘Sport, racism and social media’ (Farrington et al. 2016), ‘Media discourse, sport and the nation’ (Mauro 2020) scholar articles, library based essays and media coverage together with a Channel 4 documentary. These resources all provide an understanding of the systemic issues that are embedded within the sport, and the essay uncovers the roots of discrimination stated by a media broadcaster and contained with the ICEC report.

Methodology

This essay firstly conducts a textual analysis of the report then explores and investigates the historical context, The essay will draw upon a range of resources ‘Beyond the (Hughson and Hughson 2021), ‘Sport, racism and social media’ (Farrington et al. 2016), ‘Media discourse, sport and the nation’ (Mauro 2020) and other scholarly articles and library based essays. I will then analyse the Channel 4 documentary ‘Is Cricket racist?’ comparing it to coverage in the mainstream newspaper The Daily Telegraph. These resources all provide an understanding of the systemic issues that are embedded within the sport, and the essay uncovers the roots of discrimination stated by a media broadcaster and contained with the ICEC report.

Chapter 1 - racism, elitism and class system

The report highlights the appearance of elitism and class-based discrimination in cricket, linking much of it to the structure of the system and institutional factors. The report notes the talent pathway for young cricketers is closely tied with private schools, making it challenging for talented individuals from state schools to progress within the sport. It stresses that the ECB needs to recognise and take action on cricket’s class problem (ICEC 2023b:14). A quote from a parent/guardian, county age group player “The size of your wallet determines if your children progress or not, which is a clear indication that it’s not a sport for everyone but for a privileged few” (ICEC 2023c:70).

The first recommendation within the report “highlights the ECB making an unqualified public apology for its own failings and those of the game it governs. The apology should acknowledge that racism, sexism, elitism and class-based discrimination have existed, and still exist in the game, and recognise the impact on victims of discrimination. It should include, a direct apology for the ECB’s and the wider game’s historic failures in relation to women’s and girls’ cricket together with its failure to adequately support Black cricket in England and Wales” (ICEC 2023e:3).

In conclusion, the ICEC report serves as a complete examination of equity in English and Welsh cricket, revealing deep-rooted issues of racism, sexism, elitism and class-based discrimination. Personal documentation from people affected highlight the need for immediate action, especially in diversifying leadership and addressing the class-based barriers in cricket.

In September 2020 Rafiq Azeem revealed ‘suicidal’ thoughts in an interview with ESPNcricinfo after accusing Yorkshire cricket of “deep-rooted racism” (Dobell 2020a). Roger Hutton, Yorkshire CCC chairman stepped down on 5 November 2021 "apologising unreservedly" (Roan 2021) to the Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq that "experienced a culture that refuses to accept change or challenge" at the club (Roan 2021).

Earlier that year in March 2021, The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) was announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This was to assess the state of equity in cricket, the investigation lasted two years and was published in June 2023.  

The ICEC said “We had unprecedented access to cricket which provided us with a unique opportunity to hold a mirror up to the game. The findings in our report are unequivocal. Racism, class-based discrimination, elitism and sexism are widespread and deep rooted. It’s not banter or just a few bad apples. Discrimination is both overt and baked into the structures and processes within cricket. - Cindy Butts, Chair of the ICEC” (ICEC 2023f).

The ECB reported “cricket should be the country’s most inclusive sport” (Shemilt 2023b) and believed the report will only accelerate that process. Key points were made clear from every aspect but specifically looking at racism and elitism/class based discrimination. The report notes that there is evidence that racism is in the game, “the evidence is unequivocal: racism is a serious issue in cricket. We are clear as a Commission, that racism in cricket is not confined to ‘pockets’ or ‘a few bad apples’, nor is it limited to individual incidents of misconduct (i.e. interpersonal racism). In our opinion, the cumulative picture of evidence demonstrates that racism in all its forms, continues to shape the experience of and opportunities for many in the game. We hope that our Report enables the ECB, and importantly the wider game to move to a more realistic view of the extent and nature of racism in English and Welsh cricket” (Wallace 2023).

As well as this there is evidence of elitism and class-based discrimination. “Our evidence points to the prevalence of elitism and class-based discrimination in cricket. Much of this is believed to be structural and institutional in nature, driven partly by the lack of access to cricket in state schools and the way in which the talent pathway is structurally bound up with private schools. The ‘pathway’ makes it much harder for talented young people to progress if they are not at so-called ‘cricketing’ schools - which appear to be overwhelmingly private schools - and individuals do not have alternative means to access the sport. Private school and ‘old boys’ networks’ and cliques permeate the game to the exclusion of many” (ICEC 2023b:13).

An article by the BBC (a neutral source) on the 25th September 2023 outlined that the ECB responded on their website - the ECB had accepted “most” of the ICEC’s suggestions and it is clear from the 44 suggestions that the ECB are in a "positive direction of travel" accepting 94% of the suggestions (Shemilt 2023a).

Chapter 2 - legacy of colonialism

In the essay titled "Beyond the Boundary: The Sandpaper Gate Scandal and the Limits of Transnational Masculinity" by John Hughson and Marina Hughson (2021), the authors delve into the public outrage that erupted when the Australian cricket team admitted to cheating in 2018. The essay explores how players may have disregarded the seriousness of their cheating actions and posits that these players are perceived as ‘pieces’ within a transnational network of men. This network typically fosters a sense of impunity when it comes to morally questionable behaviour. “Provides those within its institutional framework with ae sense of impunity towards ethically questionable conduct” (Hughson and Hughson 2021).

The authors raise questions regarding the extent of responsibility within a broader transnational organizational network, with Cricket Australia as a central focal point. They draw from the works of Hearn and Blagojević, who have contributed to the field of masculinity studies with their insights on 'transnational men' (Hughson and Hughson 2021). Although the essay focuses on Cricket Australia it works well as many cricket organisations are in similar positions (English Cricket Board).

"Beyond the Boundary" explores the concept of 'the spirit of the game' and phrase 'it's not cricket.' This phrase is understood as describing actions that lack fairness, honesty, and morality, “it can refer to actions occurring in either public or private life.” (Hughson and Hughson 2021). The essay references C.L.R. James's belief that 'the spirit of the game' emphasizes the profound importance of cricket beyond the act of playing. However, the essay also highlights the transformation of cricket into a business, where players who harm the game's interests are subject to penalties due to the potential damage to the sport's reputation as a brand, which may result in financial losses (Hughson and Hughson 2021).

Cricket players, have historically been products of a privileged organization, rooted in the traditions of 'old boys' from institutions such as the ECB (English and Wales Cricket Board) and the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club). These organizations have operated transnationally from the start, often aiming to maintain male leadership privileges amongst changing historical circumstances. It is seen that players of the game are being shaped to become what the privileged organization in charge of the game want them to be (like themselves). This means players coming through that may become of greater power and feel like they are ‘above the rules’ will carry on the tradition and will stay a privileged organization. This spans across international borders and is seen in the ECB as noted in the ICEC report as it stems from the structure of the system and pathway for young players. “The institutions and organizations of sport, including cricket, can be regarded as operating in such ways (Hearn, Citation 2015).”

Although cricket has changed a lot in more recent years in England. The introduction of ‘THE HUNDRED’ (100 ball cricket tournament) a new format of cricket has been seen as a lucrative (Dobell 2020b). The blending of top international players in T20 franchise teams creates distinctly global competitions, elevating current leading players to the status of 'transnational men.' Although the ECB’s aim was to encourage more woman to play by having the men’s and women’s games on the same day (ECB 2021), however, it has only heightened the status of male players. It has done this because of the media coverage surrounding the competition stating the signings of big names to teams.    

To follow on from ‘Beyond the Boundary’, ‘Sport, racism and social media by Neil Farrington, Lee Hall, Daniel Kilvington, John Price and Amir Saeed (section-Cricket racism and social media) (Farrington et al. 2016:70-86)’ has an advantage as it not only addresses the history and context of classism and racism, it reflects on the impact of the British empire-builders who used cricket to take advantage of socio-cultural norms on colonies, this included the concept of English ‘fair play’.

Cultural stereotyping shape cricketing narratives globally, this was seen in debates started by British Asian fans celebrating an Indian cricket win over England on English soil in 2013. This was linked to a 1990 debate by MP Norman Tebbit, who proposed a ‘cricket test’ to measure British Asians commitment to a perceived British way of life (Farrington et al. 2016:72).

It questions whether social media hostility from England supporters towards Indian cricket fans, is influenced by a perceived disruption to the traditional colonial order. It considers the historical context discussed by James (1963), Barnes (1990), Holden (2008), and Vyas (2008), where cricket, initially a tool of empire, contributed to empowerment and the formation of national identity in the colonies through ‘on-field’ success (Farrington et al. 2016:73)

In the late 1980s and early 1990s the reporting by media between the two teams can be perceived as the start of the hostility. The word ‘Paki’ appeared on back page headlines in the Daily Mirror around this time, sparking a debate on “national identity rooted in England’s reliance on overseas-born players” (Farrington et al. 2016:73). The common theme of the medias reporting at the time was racial and cultural stereotyping as well as England’s declining performances. It can be said that the media sensualised the spark and debate, inciting a culture war.

More recent western media wrote and debated incidents “such as the case of three Pakistan cricketers found guilty of ‘spot-fixing’ in Test matches against England in 2010, the attack on the Sri Lanka team bus – which killed seven people – in the Pakistan city of Lahore in 2009 and the sudden death of then-Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer in 2007” (Farrington et al. 2016:73). It was seen in the British media coverage of the spot-fixing case that they related it back to the 1990 Mirror headline about Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis as ‘Paki cheats’ (Farrington et al. 2016:73). This clearly suggested that cheating was rich within the national team of Pakistan and not a worldwide problem in cricket. This sensationalised the story and created tension within the British public, this would have gone from cricket being a back page story to a story of public interest.

It concludes with the ECB’s claim that social media’s impact on English cricket is less problematic than in football (Farrington et al. 2016:86), which may be valid, however it highlights the evidence that cricket with its colonial history and evolving racial prism (cultural elite) can become a social media platform for racism and cultural tension in Britian.

The paper ‘Media discourse, sport and the nation: narratives and counter-narratives in the digital age by Max Mauro’ (Mauro 2020). Discusses how international sports events have been influential in shaping national identities through the media. Newspapers and broadcasters have been a significant role in this, they do this by reinforcing exclusive national identities. “Media discourses around sporting events have historically tended to legitimise exclusionary versions of the idea of the nation, reproducing hegemonic gender divisions and marginalising ethnic minorities and immigrants” (Mauro 2020). However sports has served as a platform for expressing different versions of national identity. It is one of the only ways that we support our country, something away from your day-to-day lifestyle. It helps us understand how we view a nation through sport portrayed in the media.

This paper works well as it gives more context surrounding the media and how sport is portrayed in the public eye through broadcasting and newspapers. The media needs big sporting events to give them content to write about and reach out to the public.

In the last 30 years sports have become a primary way that nations present themselves. Global sports competitions have grown exponentially in popularity and are now powerful events that reinforce national identity (Mauro 2020). “Through the hosting of and participation in international sport competitions, populations are given the opportunity to look at themselves as collective entities, which appear as cohesive and ‘one’ as the uniform that athletes and players wear” (Mauro 2020). Traditional media have played a big role in constructing national identity, for example what it means to be British, which maintains a sense of community.

The paper also highlights how sports in the media frequently promotes a gendered and limited idea of a nation. “This is particularly pertinent in a number of European countries that have witnessed a resurgence of nationalistic sentiments and growing popularity of discourses around national identity, that tend to exclude immigrants and nationals of immigrant background from the idea of the nation (Loftsdottir et al., 2018)” (Mauro 2020).

Overall, in the current era of digital revolution, mass media although continually changing does play an important role in connecting sports with nationalism and shaping national identity. However, within sports events there is space for the concept of the nation to be questioned and improved upon; while traditional media constructs a certain narrative, sports events themselves can offer a platform to challenge and evolve the idea of national identity (Mauro 2020).

Chapter 3 - role of the media

Channel 4 released a documentary titled ‘Is Cricket Racist?, (Channel 4 2023) broadcast on the 18th July 2023 a month after the ICEC report was released. The documentary was presented by actor, comedian and cricket fan Adil Ray, he investigates the troubled time of cricket following the incident with Yorkshire cricketer Rafiq Azeem who spoke publicly about his experience of racism in September 2020 (Channel 4 2023). The Guardian wrote a review on the documentary and noted that “even in light of the recent report and media coverage, the documentary is genuinely shocking” (Latif 2023).

The documentary starts with Ray looking back on his own cricketing experiences by re visiting his old cricket club (West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club). He starts with a story about his dad and how he would sit away from the other dads who were drinking, he mentions the fact his dad did not drink “so he was not going to sit with them” (Channel 4 2023). Although he claims there was no intention of racism, Ray realised and noted it would be difficult for the British Pakistan community to fit in to the world of English cricket (Channel 4 2023).

Historically the legacy of cricket in many places is bound up with the British Empire (James 1997). Countries such as India, South Africa, Sri-Lanka, Pakistan etc. have all imported the sport from the British. In today’s political atmosphere the British Empire and its consequences are seen in an ever more critical light, with many regarding it institutionally racist (Forman 2022). As cricket is associated with the British Empire, especially in previous colonial places, it has brought into question the racist legacy (History Extra 2021). Furthermore, the British Empire consisted primarily of males adding a sexist aspect to crickets’ history similar to other sports. This links back to transnational men, cricket players have historically been products of a privileged organization, rooted in the traditions of 'old boys'. The organization ECB have operated transnationally from the start, often aiming to maintain male leadership privileges.

The Chanel 4 documentary looks back at England cricket’s greatest moment, the iconic Ashes summer of 2005 (Channel 4 2023), when English cricket made a leap from the back pages to the forefront of public attention (BBC 2005). England cricket's most significant moment for news headlines and in the national consciousness involved some of the very same players, and one of the biggest scandals to ever impact English cricket (Channel 4 2023).

Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard were named together with other Yorkshire players by Rafiq as being racist towards him, Rafiq described this as an “everyday occurrence” (Channel 4 2023), displaying a concerning level of institutional racism within the game generally and at Yorkshire CC. Later in the documentary Kamlesh Patel shares the letter he received following his appointment as the chairman of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, he read “I’ve been reading in the press about all the ballyhoo of a Paki alleging whatever he did when he played for Yorkshire 10 years ago. Now someone has put this guy surnamed Patel in charge to sort things out, another coon - no offence, but it’s in the Oxford dictionary. It’s all so ridiculous, all out of proportion” (Channel 4 2023). The Guardian stated that “as appalling as it is to watch him read it aloud, it encapsulates how dire things are” (Latif 2023).

The South Asian background community have concerns about being taken seriously in county cricket. When Ray speaks with cricketer Moeen Ali, Ali explains it is much harder for South Asian background players to be selected over a white player, “the South Asian player has to be outstanding … where as a white player does not have to display such qualities to obtain a contract” (Channel 4 2023). Ali also expresses he is the first to get blamed by the media when the England cricket team are not doing well.

Ray then speaks to Tom Brown an academic affiliated with Birmingham City University and a co-founder of the 'Saka' South Asian Cricket Academy. From his research he found the likelihood of becoming a professional cricketer is significantly influenced by background (Channel 4 2023). Specifically, his finding reveals individuals who are white and privately educated are thirteen times more likely to become a professional cricketer in comparison to a white state educated player. White privately educated players are thirty-four more times more likely to become professional cricketers than Asian state educated players, with class being the biggest differentiator to whether you become a professional cricketer or not (Mistlin 2021).

The attention turns to Lords ‘The Home of Cricket’ where Ray speaks to Guy Lavender, Chief Executive and Secretary at Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Currently there is a 30 year waiting list for membership. Lavender explains that the “obvious conclusion” (Channel 4 2023) would be saying to the people who have been waiting for 30 years. They are going to have to wait, while we reorganize their membership model, electing on gender and ethnicity to push forward inclusivity. Ray understands their predicament but suggests the reality is black and Asian people have been discriminated against and we have had unfairness for many years. Lavender finishes by saying they will do everything to make sure everyone can be part of the MCC (Channel 4 2023).

Cricket is not necessarily the problem, it is noted that the subculture surrounding certain areas and ethnicities are not likely to be interested in the game of cricket. This is due to the culture and history, together with the physical aspects required, such as equipment / facilities and preparation of a wicket to play a game. It is particularly noted in urban areas they may be more prone to these restricting factors before considering a game of cricket.

Blame culture is embedded into today’s society, with the stigma around cricket that it is a ‘posh’ sport for white upper-class people. Historically the game was played by upper-class men for enjoyment ‘the gentlemen’s game’ (Scalmer 2007). The game has changed throughout time and is now enjoyed as a worldwide sport for all. It has been noted the majority of people assume cricket is enjoyed only by white upper-class men (Kettle 2021) and this could be viewed as a prejudice. The ECB cannot force a group of people to start playing cricket, as some may deem the sport as ‘uncool’ or ‘posh’ due to the stereotypical culture of the sport. They are more likely to go and play football with their mates in the park. It is clear from Tom Brown’s research, privately educated players within the cricket fraternity are more likely to become professional players than their equivalent state educated players (Mistlin 2021). It is however important to consider the concept of privilege in this context.

Calling someone ‘privileged’ just based on their outward appearance or circumstances can be problematic, it's essential to recognize that privilege operates on various levels with multiple aspects of an individual's identity and background. The notion of privilege should not become a competition, instead it should be used as a tool for understanding and addressing the differences in society. Every person has a unique background and experiences that others may not fully grasp.

The system that has been in place is partly the issue, with the report highlighting and asking the ECB to change how the system runs and works (ICEC 2023b). Racism does not run throughout cricket but the system in place does mostly suit white male privately educated players, although there are a few exceptions with certain ‘special’ players becoming professional. In the context of Brown's research, it serves as a lens to understand the disparities in cricketing opportunities (in this case becoming professional) based on education, rather than a judgment of individual ability (Mistlin 2021). The system could be classed as being ‘corrupt’ as it only accommodates for white males, this is through minimal change from historical beginnings (Frith 2011). The ICEC report has suggested change is required and although difficult to achieve world-wide, the Channel 4 documentary is highlighting to the ECB change is required and needs to be made. Although it can be argued there are still ways in which state educated players can still integrate within the system, based on their ability and coaches identifying these individuals for County trials.

Private education has specific cricket facilities and features as the main summer sport, with many fixtures being organised together with planned training sessions during the week. I personally benefitted in technique, being exposed to bowling machines by attending these sessions and paying extra for one-to-one coaching. Unfortunately, the costs and time associated with attending such facilities are not always available to everyone and ends with only a few individuals benefitting.

Moving back to the Channel 4 documentary, thirteen months after Azeem Rafiq made the allegations of racism he was asked to speak again on the matter, Rafiq said “All that’s changed really is my family have been driven out of the country” (Channel 4 2023).

It is noted that Michael Vaughan was not charged over allegations made by Rafiq on the balance of probabilities, that he had heard wrongly and had been mistaken. The press headlines focused on Vaughan being cleared despite Vaughan accepting his racist tweets were wrong and attending courses on diversity training (Hoult 2023; Hoult et al. 2023; Cooper 2023). Six other players and Yorkshire CC were found guilty of the racism suffered by Azeem (Burnton 2023). The documentary concludes with factual information taken from the ICEC report. Ray wanted to put the report’s findings to the sport’s governing body, the English cricket board, but was refused an interview. Instead, the English Cricket board provided a statement “We are truly sorry to anyone who has experienced racism in cricket, there is no place for it in our sport. We recognise that while much work has been underway in recent years to tackle discrimination there is still much more to be done. We welcome its report, we are determined to use its findings as a moment to reset our sport” (Channel 4 2023). This goes back to transnational theory (Hughson and Hughson 2021) and being above the law ‘it’s not cricket’ with the idea of being a gentleman but not playing by the rules. The celebrity status of Michael Vaughan enabled him to walkway ‘untouched’, despite the evidence against him.

Channel 4 is a popular television network. Traditionally, cricket is 'back page news', however a documentary with the provocative title "Is Cricket Racist," immediately gained public attention. The story suddenly became public interest with the Channel 4 documentary, reaching a larger broader audience who would not have seen or read the ICEC report. Channel 4 is an outside voice influencing viewers and exposing cricket by putting names to faces. Media often sensationalised factual stories to attract more viewers and increase their audience (Frye 2005). The effect this has on its audience is very influential as people who may not normally watch cricket will have seen a documentary on a mainstream media broadcaster potentially influencing in the opinion of the broadcaster. In this case implying that cricket is racist. The ICEC report is compared to the famous 2005 ashes win in the documentary, as players from that team were involved and named, concluding that Channel 4 believe the report is important and of public interest.

Contrary, The Daily Telegraph does not name individuals within its writing. It reports on what has happened and, in some respects, it seems to be supporting the ECB through its troubled time by reporting on how the ECB are going to resolve the issue and outline positive aspects surrounding the report. For example one article named ‘Diversity lessons for all: ECB five-point plan to be ‘best in class’ over racism’ (Hoult 2021). This approach aligns with the newspaper’s right-wing political stance and caters to its audience, predominantly white, middle-class men which stereotypically resemble cricket spectators and MCC members. The newspapers focus on positively influencing its audience likely drives its editorial choices. It does this by prioritising topics that resonate positively with its audiences view to maintain profitability, because ultimately it is a business.

The influence utilized by media outlets, as evidenced through my investigation into the newspaper and streaming service, showcases their ability to shape the perceptions and opinions of their audience in accordance with their own agendas. The platforms can manipulate the narrative whether this be a positive or negative, this guides the perspectives of the viewers towards a particular viewpoints. The content and presentation style by the media sources are carefully curated, such practices highlight the power of the media in framing and directing the thought of their audience.

Conclusion

In some respects cricket is a game for all as the ECB claims (ECB 2023). There are many examples online where cricket has provided happiness and joy, for example George McMenemy an online influencer who claims cricket saved his life (Oliver 2022). “I might even be the worst cricketer in the world but this sport has saved my life, enriched my mental health and given me a platform to be happy once more” (McMenemy 2022). The problem is the current system creates professional players who then become ‘the old boys’ that are the institution. This means change is minimal and relates back to how and why cricket was first invented (a sport for the privileged few to enjoy).

Having looked at various articles and a documentary, it is now clear there are deep-rooted problems within cricket. Racism, classism and unfair norms are some of the critical issues that stand out.

The essay by Hughson and Hughson highlights how the cricket system is shaped by privilege and masculinity, Institutions. Cricket Australia and the English Cricket Board seem to foster an environment where unethical behaviour might go unchecked and is seen through the upcoming professional players of the game today as noted in chapter 2, “Provides those within its institutional framework with a sense of impunity towards ethically questionable conduct” (Hughson and Hughson 2021).  While the Channel 4 documentary enlightens the disturbing experiences expressed by individuals Rafiq Azeem and Moeen Ali. This shows us the systemic racism faced by South Asian players, and the insights expose the lack of opportunities for players based on their background. There is an urgent need for change within crickets’ structure.

Having looked at how media has influenced cricket over the years through ‘Sport, racism and social media by Neil Farrington, Lee Hall, Daniel Kilvington, John Price and Amir Saeed (section-Cricket racism and social media)’, it reveals racial tensions and biases, especially concerning British-Asian’s. The historical context of the sport and the way media sensationalizes stories and events accelerates societal challenges. These historical ties with privilege and the perception that cricket is an elitist sport, together with the need for change in structure within the system, these biases present significant issues for inclusivity. As noted by with Tom Brown who outlined his research in the Channel 4 documentary, this gives an insight and acknowledgement there are issues within Cricket and the structure especially the youth system.

Cricket is now facing an uphill battle, the system that favours a select few remain resistant to change, for example the ECB have disagreed to swap the Eton vs Harrow match at Lords as suggested within the ICEC report (Lucas 2023). There is hope for a push in inclusivity, with efforts to challenge discriminatory norms. The struggles faced by individuals like that of Azeem Rafiq demonstrate the scale of the task ahead. Unfortunately, their experiences remain unaddressed, demonstrating the power structure within cricket. Accountability is lacking as seen in the case involving Michael Vaughan at Yorkshire Cricket Club identified by Chanel 4 (Channel 4 2023).

The documentaries impact was broadcast on an extremely popular network (Channel 4) and proved to be a turning point in the story. It sparked public attention, reaching audiences that would not have engaged with the issues previously. It resulted in the story being a back page sports report to a front page ‘main’ story of public interest. We know it is a trustworthy source as the documentary is based on documents (factual evidence) (Jenkins 2021). It becomes a platform for awareness to the situation and a call for accountability within cricket.

In comparison, The Daily Telegraphs influence and audience is different as the newspaper only reports on what has happened giving its readers ongoing updates. It supposedly keeps to a neutral stand point but leans towards supporting the ECB through its troubled time.

To conclude, the issues highlighted within cricket need urgent attention. Racism, privilege and systemic biases need to be addressed and picked apart. Although efforts towards inclusivity and acknowledgment of the issues are positive steps, change within crickets’ structure remains an ongoing challenge that will be hard to break down and reshape. Media will continue to influence the public’s view whether this is in a positive or negative manner.

However, media will require sport and sports stories to preserve it survival and obtain print for the back pages or the occasional sensational front page of national interest.

The journey towards a fair inclusive environment is an uphill climb but essential for the sport in general and crickets’ integrity and future. 

Reference list

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