Statement: DCMS Select Committee

The PCA joins with the ECB and further stakeholders in the hope that today’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee hearing proves to be a significant step towards ending racism in our game.

PCA Chief Executive, Rob Lynch, said:

“The PCA believes that this is a defining moment for cricket. Far greater emphasis has to be placed on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the game. This can only be achieved via collaboration between all of the game’s stakeholders. We all have a part to play and we look forward to contributing to Friday’s game-wide meeting, which will address this vital topic.

“We thank Azeem for shining a light on the harrowing experiences he, and others within professional cricket, have suffered.

“He has been courageous in coming forward and giving a voice to those who have been discriminated against.

“The PCA recognises important lessons need to be learnt in the way these matters are handled. The PCA condemns racism in all forms and there are no mitigating factors.

“We are listening to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group which was established in July 2020.

“Acting upon their feedback, anti-racism education has been ongoing throughout 2021 and is part of our commitment to eradicating racism and discrimination within the professional game.

“The PCA has also set up a panel of independent barristers who can be contacted, in confidence, by members encountering any issues of racism and discrimination.

“The PCA welcomes the involvement of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee with its aim of helping the game to confront these issues.

“The PCA thanks DCMS Chair Julian Knight for the opportunity to write to the committee as a right of reply and we will be submitting a report on the evidence provided at today’s hearing.

“The PCA encourages every professional player who has suffered from – or witnessed – discrimination to report the matter so the game can listen, learn and act to become a welcoming sport for all.”