Cricket Scotland (CS) is once again facing allegations of institutional racism and a lack of transparency after being accused of cherry-picking findings from an investigation into past racist behavior. Former cricketer Majid Haq, his lawyer Aamer Anwar, and the anti-racism advocacy group Running Out Racism claim the board has deliberately withheld key conclusions from an internal report that acknowledges racial discrimination against Haq.
Allegations of Selective Disclosure
The controversy reignited after the emergence of an internal report stating that Haq had suffered racial discrimination and was victimized for publicly raising allegations of racism. Despite multiple requests, Cricket Scotland has not shared the full findings with Haq, prompting accusations of secrecy.
Running Out Racism, which obtained the full report from an anonymous source, asserts that it contains “contradictory views between members of the investigation team.” According to the group, Cricket Scotland has selectively shared aspects that suit its narrative while omitting those that highlight its failures.
Haq, who was sent home from the 2015 World Cup after tweeting about racial discrimination, believes the report confirms what he has long suspected. “It validates what I already knew—that I’ve been racially discriminated against and that I continue to be victimized as a result of speaking out,” he said. “Cricket Scotland has tried to hide that from me and brush me off with statements like ‘we could have handled your departure from the World Cup better.’”
Cricket Scotland’s Response
In response, Cricket Scotland has denied accusations of a cover-up, emphasizing that the report is just one of several opinions considered. The board also condemned the leak, calling it a breach of confidentiality.
“We understand a small number of individuals continue to feel publicly aggrieved by the outcomes of the process,” Cricket Scotland stated. “To suggest this means Cricket Scotland is not taking an anti-racist stance is simply wrong.”
The board maintains that the report’s findings do not constitute a declaration of fact but rather an interpretation of the events surrounding Haq’s case.
A History of Racial Discrimination Claims
The latest allegations come after a 2022 independent report found Cricket Scotland to be institutionally racist. That investigation, triggered by complaints from Haq and fellow cricketer Qasim Sheikh, led to over 50 cases being reviewed by independent legal firms and a race equality charity. However, no sanctions were imposed, as the investigation team stated it was not their role to determine guilt or innocence.
Instead, the report outlined 245 recommendations for Cricket Scotland, which the board claims it is actively implementing. However, Haq and anti-racism groups remain unconvinced, arguing that the board’s reluctance to share the full findings undermines any claims of meaningful reform.
Calls for Transparency
Haq and Running Out Racism have called for the full disclosure of all reports related to the investigation, allowing the public to judge Cricket Scotland’s handling of the issue. “Cricket Scotland has hidden behind jurisdiction time and time again,” Haq said. “I think everything should be disclosed and let the public decide who is culpable in all this.”
With Cricket Scotland defending its stance and critics demanding full transparency, the controversy surrounding institutional racism in Scottish cricket appears far from over. As pressure mounts, the board must decide whether to continue defending its approach or take further steps toward openness and accountability.
