Cricket Scotland Reviews Ali’s Tweets Amid Racism Claims

Cricket Scotland has initiated a formal investigation after Khizar Ali, a board member since May 2023 apologized for historic tweets from 2012 that used derogatory language including the “P” word in reference to Pakistanis and offensive terms about Indians. Ali, who joined the board as a regional representative explained that he initially used these terms to “reclaim” them from racial slurs but now acknowledges this was a mistake.

In a statement, Ali expressed regret, noting that the language he used might deeply offend members of the South Asian and cricketing communities. He apologized to anyone affected and committed to discussing the issue further with those concerned. He also mentioned that some of the tweets are out of context and he is open to addressing any concerns directly.

Cricket Scotland which overhauled its board last year following an independent investigation revealing institutional racism within the organization, confirmed it is investigating Ali’s tweets. The board reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment in cricket, and it emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward racism and unacceptable behavior.

The campaign group Running Out Racism with which Ali has been involved has called for an urgent investigation. The group expressed disappointment and anger over Ali’s use of offensive language which they feel undermines their work and causes distress among those they support. Despite the turmoil, they acknowledged Ali’s willingness to address the issue and engage in discussions about the offensive messages.