Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

ECB appoints Muslim inclusion adviser post racism scandal

Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq recounted the ‘institutionally racist’ English cricket culture before the parliamentary committee last October.

ECB appoints Muslim inclusion adviser post racism scandal

THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed a Muslim inclusion body as an adviser, a report said. 

Nujum Sports, which devised the Muslim athlete charter, will work with the men's and women's England teams, the 18 counties and the recreational game, the BBC reported.


Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq told MPs in October last year that English cricket was "institutionally racist".

Nujum Sports was founded in August 2020 by former Football Association officer Ebadur Rahman. It was set up with the aim of ensuring Muslim athletes have every opportunity to fulfil their potential.

In 2021, it devised the Muslim athletes charter, a 10-point framework through which clubs can assess whether their facilities and practices cater adequately to Muslims.

Kate Miller, the ECB's chief diversity and communications officer, said that Nujum Sports has assisted the ECB, particularly in preparing for Ramadan, and helped it to support many clubs and players with practical advice and guidance.

"Ensuring that cricket is open, inclusive and accessible for people of all faiths is critical to us. Working with organisations like Nujum will allow us to learn more, connect better and challenge ourselves to continually improve our work in equity, diversity and inclusion," Miller was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Rafiq first spoke publicly about his experiences of racism within cricket in September 2020, and others then revealed the discrimination they faced.

Following Rafiq's DCMS testimony, there were changes in Yorkshire's leadership, Headingley was temporarily barred from hosting international matches and the ECB put together a 12-point plan to tackle racism in the game.

According to the report, Nujum Sports will work with the ECB for an initial period of 12 months by providing training, education and practical guidance on Muslim inclusion matters.

Rahman, the organisation's founder and chief executive, said: "Cricket deserves to be loved and played by everyone. Equality, diversity and inclusion aren't checklists we need to tick off but rather tools to help us in today's ever-demanding world.

"Cricket changes the lives of everyone associated with it, we are proud to be working with the ECB in making this game not only loved by our communities but a gateway for our communities to excel. Muslim athletes throughout the country need to see leadership and support; with the ECB, we aim to deliver this and more," he was quoted as saying by the broadcaster.

England all-rounder and Nujum ambassador Moeen Ali said that his faith helped him to overcome highs and lows in his career.

"It's time we recognise the value of allowing Muslim cricketers to be who they are and allow them to come together in this family with a feeling of trust and confidence," he said.

More For You

pubs-england-iStock

Previous VE Day anniversaries, royal events and sporting occasions such as the Euro 2024 final have also seen similar extensions. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Pubs in England and Wales to stay open late for VE Day 80th anniversary

PUBS and bars in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 01:00 BST on Thursday 8 May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the government has confirmed.

Prime minister Keir Starmer said venues that usually close at 23:00 will be able to continue serving for two extra hours.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kesari Chapter 2

Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday headline Kesari Chapter 2, a historical drama revisiting the aftermath of Jallianwala Bagh

Bookmyshow

'Kesari Chapter 2' opens to mixed reviews as Akshay Kumar takes on colonial injustice in court

Released on April 18, Kesari Chapter 2 steps into theatres with a heavy subject on its shoulders: the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the courtroom fight that followed. Headlined by Akshay Kumar, alongside R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, the film has drawn mixed reactions from viewers, with some calling it powerful and others labelling it sluggish.

Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and backed by Dharma Productions, the film moves away from the battlefield narrative of its 2019 predecessor. Instead, it follows the legal efforts of C. Sankaran Nair, played by Akshay Kumar, who challenged the British Empire after the 1919 tragedy. R. Madhavan plays opposing counsel Neville McKinley, while Ananya Panday surprises many with a restrained, serious performance as Dilreet Gill.

Keep ReadingShow less
colin farrell

Farrell has spoken publicly about his son's condition on various occasions

Getty

Angelman syndrome drives Colin Farrell to seek long-term care solutions for his son

Actor Colin Farrell and his former partner, Kim Bordenave, have decided to place their 21-year-old son, James, who has Angelman syndrome, into long-term care.

Angelman syndrome is a rare neuro-genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and results in developmental delays, lack of speech, movement and balance issues, and seizures. It is usually diagnosed in early childhood and is caused by problems with the UBE3A gene on chromosome 15.

Keep ReadingShow less
Experience Qawwali Magic at Afreen Afreen Night Event

Feel the Soul of Qawwali at Afreen Afreen Night

getty image

Afreen Afreen Qawwali Night: Music & Laughter Event

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of soulful music, heartfelt laughter, and community spirit at AFREEN AFREEN – Qawwali Night, taking place on Sunday, April 20 at the Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner HA5 1AA.

This special charity event promises more than just entertainment. Featuring a powerful performance by the Qalandar Qawwali Band, the night will take the audience on a spiritual and melodic journey through the rich tradition of Qawwali — an art form known for its deep emotional resonance and ability to bring people together.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ford vehicles

These vehicles are being recalled due to a potential brake fluid leak

Getty

Ford recalls over 148,000 vehicles in the US for brake and software issues

Ford Motor Company is recalling over 148,000 vehicles in the United States across two separate recalls, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on 17 April.

The first recall involves 123,611 vehicles, including specific 2017–2018 models of the Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator. These vehicles are being recalled due to a potential brake fluid leak from the brake master cylinder. According to the NHTSA, the leak could lead to a reduction in braking performance and an increase in stopping distance.

Keep ReadingShow less