The urgent talks followed the recent resignations of four members of Cricket Scotland’s anti-racism and EDI advisory group and the subsequent resignation of the previous chair of the governing body, Anjan Luthra.
Ms Todd was joined at the meeting by the Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, the Chief Executive of Cricket Scotland, Gordon Arthur, and Glasgow Kelvin MSP, Kaukab Stewart, who recently raised concerns about the governing body’s response to racism problems at First Minister’s Questions.
Speaking after the meeting Ms Todd made it clear she expected Cricket Scotland to continue prioritising and addressing racism and to meaningfully consult and engage with stakeholders from across all levels of the sport.
Sports Minister Maree Todd said: “I was pleased to convene this meeting to discuss the recent challenging events for the sport and how we support Cricket Scotland to ensure some good progress on the recommendations from Changing The Boundaries report continues.
“We want to make sure cricket thrives as an inclusive and welcoming sport in communities in Scotland and agreed that only by engaging in meaningful and real consultation will the necessary cultural change be delivered. I will continue to meet Cricket Scotland and sportscotland to drive progress on these important issues.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “We remain committed to helping rebuild Scottish cricket and will continue to provide whatever support we can over the coming weeks and months. We want to see Scottish cricket recover and thrive but that will only be possible by delivering cultural change within the sport. Central to that will be listening to and working with the wider cricketing community.”
Chief Executive of Cricket Scotland, Gordon Arthur, said: “This was a really constructive and meaningful discussion on the many challenges facing Cricket Scotland, and I have reaffirmed our commitment to prioritise the work emanating from the Changing The Boundaries report, to ensure that the racism problems are addressed and that cricket in Scotland becomes a fully inclusive and welcoming sport for all.”
Kaukab Stewart MSP said: “I know that many have been deeply disappointed in the lack of progress to date in meaningfully tackling institutional racism within Cricket Scotland. We cannot afford to get this wrong again. Having raised this with the First Minister in Parliament, I am pleased this meeting has taken place – I know the Scottish Government shares my desire to see a proper set of resolutions being found that stamps out racism and makes cricket a safe space for all in this country.”
