England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has newly launched the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) in its move to introduce changes to world cricket, and also tackle discrimination & disparity in cricket.
In a bid to eliminate structural inequality within the current system, the ECB and Wales Cricket Board are planning to appoint a cricket regulator—an independent body tasked with overseeing compliance and enforcing regulations within the sport.
This move reflects a commitment to address imbalances and ensure a fair and transparent cricketing environment.
In a report titled “Holding Up a Mirror to Cricket,” released by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), the document brings attention to disparities experienced by players based on gender, race, and class.
The report particularly criticizes the English Cricket Board for simultaneously serving as both the regulator and promoter of the game, suggesting that this dual role creates a conflict of interest. The findings underscore the need to address equity and impartiality issues within the cricketing ecosystem.
Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) Objectives
In response to the recommendations by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), the ECB confirmed in September its commitment to establishing an independent board. This board’s purpose would be to address regulatory breaches, recommend necessary changes, and work towards fostering a more equitable and inclusive ecosystem within cricket.
The responsibilities of the newly established independent body encompass investigating reported breaches and, if necessary, bringing them to the attention of the Cricket Discipline Panel. Its scope also extends to areas such as safeguarding, anti-corruption, anti-doping, and addressing instances of misconduct within the cricketing environment.
The body said:
“The Cricket Regulator will cover a wide range of matters on which the game has set clear standards, including anti-discrimination. The team and I are clear about the importance of meeting high standards in ensuring people across the game know what is expected of them, and having the best procedures in place, to protect and promote the good of the game, and everyone involved.”
The chief of ECB, Richard Gould, was also happy about the establishment of Cricket Regulator and stated:
“It is important that the game has the best processes in place in order to enforce regulations. The ICEC report recommended that we introduce further independence to the game’s regulatory process and the Cricket Regulator overseen by an independent Cricket Regulatory Board will do that.”
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