Mayoral Commission on Race Equality responds to independent commission on equity in Cricket report

In light of the revelations made by former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq regarding the racism he endured in professional cricket, Commission on Race Equality (CoRE) took immediate action to investigate similar issues within Bristol and the South West.
In an official statement, the Independent Commission on Race Equality (CoRE) set up by Mayor Marvin Rees regarding the Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket's (ICEC) report on racism in cricket, said, “We responded promptly by initiating a comprehensive investigation into similar issues in Bristol. Today, we are pleased to share our report on the matter, which details the findings of our investigation. We have also submitted our report to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) in response to their call for evidence.”
The Commission has taken the lead in supporting cricket leaders within their region to foster transparency and accountability in acknowledging the current state of the game and charting a path for progress. Since then, they have actively collaborated with cricket leaders in Bristol and the surrounding region, including GCCC (Gloucestershire County Cricket Club), GCF (Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation), B&DCA (Bristol & District Cricket Association), and WEPL (West of England Premier League).
Together, the commission has facilitated the establishment of the combined Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) working group, led by the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation (GCF). “CoRE has been serving as an informal conduit between the working group and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), providing valuable support. While the current focus of the newly formed EDI group revolves around addressing the findings, recommendations, and questions presented by CoRE, we anticipate that the forthcoming ICEC report will further bolster our collective efforts,” the statement read. The statement further added, “Bristol has not waited for the ICEC report to spur us into action. We have actively collaborated with local cricket administrators who have taken the initiative to ensure that cricket stands as an anti-racist and truly inclusive sport. Our ultimate goal is to create an environment where anyone with an interest in playing cricket can flourish and realize their full potential, regardless of their social, ethnic, or racial background.”