Donna Fraser appointed to head up PCA's equality, diversity and inclusion programme

GEORGE DOBELL - EXCLUSIVE: Fraser, the former athlete, recently acted as head of inclusion and engagement at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

Donna Fraser has been appointed as the Professional Cricketers' Association's first equality, diversity and inclusion director.

Fraser, the former athlete, recently acted as head of inclusion and engagement at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

She was also involved in British Athletics' "Let's Talk About Race" programme, which was set-up to tackle racial inequality in the sport. She was awarded an OBE in 2021 services to equality, inclusion and diversity in the workplace

^{Donna Fraser is the new PCA equality, diversity and inclusion director [Getty Images]}

The appointment is seen as a major step forward for the PCA. The organisation, which is effectively the players' union, has at times struggled to deal with the fallout of accusations of racial discrimination in the game in recent years.

As the advisor to both the victims and alleged perpetrators, the organisation has had to review its policies and protocols and hopes that bringing in Fraser, at director level and with significant powers, is a significant sign of progress.

Fraser enjoyed an outstanding career on the track. As well as winning medals as part of the relay team at the World Championship and Commonwealth Games, she was fourth in the Sydney Olympics of 2000.