ICEC receives over 4,000 contributions to inequality report as second phase begins

A call for written evidence has opened after the first stage of the process took place in November and December. Cindy Butts is leading the body, who will deliver their report in the autumn of 2022

The game-wide independent investigation into inequality in cricket has received more than 4,000 submissions of evidence as the second phase of inquiry begins.

Last November, the ECB's Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) appealed for first-hand accounts of the culture of the sport.

It began with an anonymous online survey, that was open between November 9 and December 21, 2021, which saw many thousands report their experiences.

Now, the ICEC are appealing for written accounts to bolster their report due for publication in the autumn of 2022 - it had originally been intended to be released in the summer - and will include several evidence-based recommendations.

Evidence can be submitted via two methods, either a question and answer form or by emailing the commission directly.

Questions surround talent pathway and progression into professional cricket, culture, good practice, complaints and discipline (discrimination-related) and governance and leadership.

Open since March 9, those wishing to contribute have until April 20 to submit their account.

The ECB have committed to giving "serious consideration" to the ICEC findings - in addition to its own EDI action plan - but are not obligated to implement any of the suggestions the report makes.

^{Former England spinner Zafar Ansari is part of the commission (Getty Images)}

The ICEC was formed in March 2021, amid the ongoing scandal regarding Azeem Rafiq's treatment by Yorkshire.

They subsequently announced they would "evaluate the state of equity in cricket in England and Wales to examine discrimination and inequity where it exists and identify opportunities to tackle the problems" as experiences of Rafiq and others were detailed.

Focus remains is on issues relating to race, gender and class.

Chair Cindy Butts, a member of the Kick It Out board and a former deputy chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said: "We received a staggering response to the first part of our call for evidence, with many individuals sharing their lived experiences within the game with us and we are grateful for their contributions. 

"As a commission we are currently examining this evidence as part of our work. 

"We now want to hear from people and organisations with relevant knowledge, expertise or experience in cricket or tackling discrimination in sport. 

"Your insights will help us to identify the changes required to ensure cricket is truly an equitable and inclusive sport."

Former England spinner Zafar Ansari, now a lawyer, Sir Brendan Barber, Dr Michael Collins and Michelle Moore make up the rest of the commission.