Cindy Butts to lead ECB Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket

Formed in November 2020, the group will address discrimination and levels of diversity in the sport while reporting their findings to the governing body

ECB introduces commission for equality, as well as further measures to increase diversity

English cricket and diversity: What has gone wrong, and how do we fix it?

The ECB have appointed Cindy Butts to chair the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket.

Formed in November 2020, the group will attempt to tackle discrimination and improve levels of diversity within the sport.

The creation of the body comes in the wake of several accusations of racism deep within the game.

That included at Yorkshire, where an investigation into allegations of institutional discrimination made by Azeem Rafiq is ongoing.

Butts' arrival continues the ECB's pledge to strengthen inclusion and diversity, following the publication of a three-point plan in July last year.

A member of the Kick It Out board and a former deputy chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, Butts' central responsibility will be to "independently gather and assess the evidence of inequalities and discrimination of all forms within cricket and identify the actions the ECB will need to take to tackle these issues".

Senior Independent Director Brenda Trenowden will communicate the findings to the ECB Board.

"I’m excited to be bringing together my lifelong love of cricket with my passion for equity and inclusion, to lead this work for the ECB," she said. 

"Over the coming months we will be looking to hear from a wide range of people who share a love of cricket, whether as spectators, players, coaches or administrators both present and past. 

"While it’s important we preserve the best of cricket’s traditions, it is also important we identify ways it can evolve and innovate to attract and welcome diverse communities who can make an impact in all areas and at all levels of the game.

"I am committed to ensuring that cricket has a bright future in this country."

ECB chairman Ian Watmore added: "The creation of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket is an important step in our ambition to make cricket a game for everyone. 

"Cindy is extremely well-qualified to lead this work and will bring empathy, rigour and practical experience to the deliberations and recommendations of the commission."

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