Heather Knight, captain of the England women’s cricket team, has accepted a disciplinary charge related to a social media post from 2012, in which she appeared in blackface at a fancy dress party. Knight, who was 21 at the time, attended the event at a cricket club in Kent, where a photo of her in blackface was later posted on Facebook by another individual.
The Cricket Discipline Commission has reprimanded Knight and imposed a £1,000 fine, suspended for two years. In a statement issued through the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the 33-year-old expressed deep regret for her actions.
“I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012,” Knight said. “It was wrong, and I have long regretted it. Back then, I simply was not as educated as to the implications and consequences of my actions as I have become since. There was no ill-intent meant. Whilst I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game.”
Knight, who has captained England since 2016, is set to lead the team at the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. ECB chief executive Richard Gould acknowledged Knight’s misjudgment but praised her ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity.
“Heather recognises this was a serious error of judgment which took place more than 10 years ago and has rightly apologised,” Gould said. “As a public figure and leader, Heather has worked tirelessly to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for cricket. She has championed initiatives to promote diversity and strongly advocated for marginalised communities.”
The incident was reported to the Cricket Regulator in July, and Knight was charged in August while captaining London Spirit in The Hundred, a tournament her team ultimately won.
Dave Lewis, interim director of the Cricket Regulator, stressed the importance of accountability in the sport. “Cricket is working to become a more inclusive sport, and the Cricket Regulator is committed to acting positively and impartially whenever racist behaviour is reported to us. In this case, Ms. Knight’s behaviour was discriminatory and offensive, however, the Cricket Discipline Commission accepted there was no racist intent in her conduct.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the continued efforts required to combat racism and discrimination in cricket, highlighting the importance of education and accountability among athletes and public figures.
