An independent review has found Scottish cricket to be "institutionally racist" and recommended that Cricket Scotland be placed in special measures.
The review was commissioned by government agency SportScotland last year after Scotland's all-time leading wicket-taker Majid Haq spoke out about suffering racist abuse during his career, with former teammate Qasim Sheikh also coming forward.
And the review has found 448 examples of institutional racism within the sport, with Cricket Scotland failing 29 of the 31 indicators equality and diversity experts Plan4Sport used to measure the issue.
As part of the review, hundreds of people were spoken to with 68 individual concerns referred for further investigation. These included 31 allegations of racism against 15 people, two clubs and one regional association.
The allegations include racial abuse, favouritism towards white children from public schools, a lack of transparency in selection for non-white players and the use of inappropriate language. The review said those they spoke to had "clearly witnessed or experienced racism, discrimination and persistent micro-aggressions based on race during their role as a coach, umpire or player."
Plan4Sport managing director Louise Tideswell said the "governance and leadership practices of Cricket Scotland have been institutionally racist". SportScotland chief executive Stewart Harris, meanwhile, said some of the findings in the report were "deeply concerning and in some cases shocking".
Cricket Scotland's interim CEO Gordon Arthur offered a "heartfelt apology to all those who have been the victims of racism and discrimination in Scottish cricket" and insisted the organisation was committed to "building and fostering a culture of inclusivity within the sport of cricket".
He said: "The racism and discrimination that has taken place in the sport that we all love should never have been allowed to happen, or to go unchallenged for so long. I would like to again issue a heartfelt apology to all those who have been the victims of racism and discrimination in Scottish cricket."
He added: "This report is a watershed moment for cricket in Scotland and taking its recommendations forward is the top priority. It’s clear that significant cultural change must happen and it must happen quickly. The immediate priority must be to get the independent referral process agreed and implemented so the investigations into the referrals can start.
“We are resolute on building and fostering a culture of inclusivity within the sport of cricket where racism and discrimination of any kind is not tolerated, where everyone is welcome and has access to equal opportunities. We must address the past, repair the sport and ensure history does not repeat itself and we will need everyone’s commitment to make this change happen."
