Hear the Latest News About Cricket Scotland Racism Update, Jonny Bairstow Will Focus on Ashes, and Mumbai Indians Add MLC Franchise in New York
In today’s cricket news, learn more about Cricket Scotland has been labeled “unfit for purpose,” “tone deaf,” and “arrogant” after its most recent update on anti-racism measures. Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow is anticipated to skip the Indian Premier League this season in order to focus on training for the Ashes as he continues his recovery from a leg fracture sustained last summer. Lastly, Reliance Industries Limited, which owns the Mumbai Indians, has suggested the addition of a fifth cricket franchise based in New York.
Cricket Scotland Called “Unfit for Purpose” and “Arrogant” After Racism Update
Original Source: Cricket Scotland branded ‘unfit for purpose’ and ‘arrogant’ following latest update on tackling racism
Before an independent review, the Cricket Scotland board resigned, with Gordon Arthur designated interim CEO.
For personal reasons, Arthur is resigning next month.
“EDI assertions are unconfirmed nonsense.”
As part of Tuesday’s update, new chair Anjan Luthra highlighted Cricket Scotland’s progress on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and identified a new diversity working group as another positive step.
Last year’s investigation’s anti-racism group Running Out Racism labeled those assertions “unsubstantiated drivel”.
Cricket Scotland’s statement “set back trust greatly” and “demonstrated that the governing body is failing in learning from mistakes of the past,” according to the organisation.
Running Out Racism said it had sought to express concerns privately but is “weary of battling for change in public with no results”.
It said: “Today’s Cricket Scotland announcement has damaged trust and shown that the governing body is not learning from past mistakes.
“They need to connect with people to fix sports concerns. The cricketing community, not just Running Out Racism.
“It contradicts today’s release. It’s arrogant.
“They haven’t considerably improved EDI. Unless that significant upgrade means ticking boxes instead of ignoring the problem. The long-ignored continue to be ignored.
“It’s uncomfortable to praise the EDI working group. After five months of dithering, the group’s first meeting in January sparked doubts about the governing body’s intention to properly interact with experts.
“After that, the governing body released a good update, which surprised several at the meeting and caused the group to be ignored. That group hasn’t been consulted on today’s adjustments. A group that gathered once after five months.”
‘Cricket Scotland not fit for purpose’
Scotland’s Majid Haq and teammate Qasim Sheikh were interviewed on Sky Sports News about institutional racism.
Both players’ lawyer, Aamer Anwar, said: “Cricket Scotland’s hollow soundbites today reveal that it is still unfit for purpose.
“Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh are sad to see Chief Executive Gordon Arthur step down, as he truly worked for change.
“Majid and Qasim, my clients, believe the Chair has failed to deliver or inspire genuine confidence from across the sport and view the process as a “arrogant cosmetic box ticking exercise.”
“Sport Scotland needs to take extra precautions because institutional racism and the dinosaurs are the only victors today.”
Special measures?
The Shifting The Boundaries report found 448 instances of institutional racism and discrimination in the game in July, prompting SportScotland to place Cricket Scotland in special measures.
In the six-month update, Cricket Scotland chair Luthra expects those measures to be lifted due to progress.
“Our current trajectory implies that we will exit special measures by October 31 and ensuring Cricket Scotland continues its journey towards being the most accessible sport in the country over the long term,” Luthra added.
Scotland’s national sports agency answered that only it will make that decision.
According to SportScotland: “Cricket Scotland’s recent update is being considered.
“We welcome the progress made thus far, but we know that only real and meaningful consultation will change the sport’s culture.
“SportScotland will decide whether Cricket Scotland exits special measures based on the Shifting The Boundary report’s complete implementation.”
Jonny Bairstow to Skip Ipl and Focus on Ashes After Tragic Accident
Original Source: Jonny Bairstow to miss IPL and focus on Ashes in recovery from freak accident
While he recovers from a fractured leg last summer, Jonny Bairstow is scheduled to skip the Indian Premier League and focus on the Ashes.
After a fluke golf course accident in September, Bairstow missed the whole winter, including a T20 World Cup success and Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. He was one of the primary catalysts for the Test team’s turnaround.
The 33-year-left old’s leg operation, which included a metal plate, went well. Bairstow started hitting balls in the nets again last month after returning to running outdoors.
Yet the IPL, which starts on 31 March and runs through May, is predicted to come too soon. Bairstow is anticipated to return to Yorkshire instead of Punjab Kings, which must retain an overseas berth open until midway through the campaign.
In December, England’s Test head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed Bairstow would return to his team when fully healthy. As they prepare for an Ashes campaign that begins on 16 June at Edgbaston, he and captain Ben Stokes have agreed that a huge selection headache would result.
Last season, Bairstow scored four century in five innings against New Zealand and India, following Stokes and McCullum’s enthusiasm and starting the team’s run of 10 wins in 12 Tests.
In the last six of those, Harry Brook, Bairstow’s fellow Yorkshireman, deputized at No 5 and scored four century in his first six games, becoming a generational talent.
As such, a reshuffled batting order will be needed and all eyes will be on if Bairstow retains wicket during his domestic homecoming to open an alternate route in. McCullum claimed the team will be “brave” in selection after the 1-1 draw in New Zealand, but “What we can’t do is try and force individuals in.”
Stokes is heading to the IPL despite concerns about his knee injury, which limited his bowling in New Zealand. His two fastest bowlers, Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, also have deals, while Brook and Joe Root, the other recent Test players, are scheduled to travel for the two-month event at the end of the week.
Mumbai Indians Add Major League Cricket Franchise in New York
Original Source: Mumbai Indians expand global footprint with New York franchise in USA’s Major League Cricket
Mumbai Indians, owned by Reliance Industries Limited, announced the addition of MI New York, a fifth cricket club, to the MI #OneFamily. The franchise will play in the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) season after completing normal due diligence, negotiating and signing definitive binding agreements, and receiving corporate, regulatory, and third-party clearances and compliances.
Mrs. Nita M. Ambani said, “I am happy to welcome our New York franchise to the growing MI Family!” I believe we can develop Mumbai Indians as a global brand of brave and entertaining cricket with our entry into the first US cricket league! This is another new beginning for MI, and I look forward to the exciting path ahead.”
Every day, the MI #OneFamily becomes stronger in its mission to promote cricket worldwide. MI New York will be the sixth franchise after Mumbai Indians (IPL), MI Cape Town (SA20), MI Emirates (ILT20), and Mumbai Indians (WPL) on three continents, four countries, and five leagues.
Mumbai Indians are one of the most followed global cricket brands, with close to 50 million digital fans worldwide following and cheering their #Onefamily of teams, who play six months of cricket in premier franchise leagues throughout the world. Since 2009, Mumbai Indians have increased in brand value by 99% (Brand Finance) and have been the preferred partner for global brands looking to build and express their story.
Major League Cricket will be America’s first professional Twenty20 cricket league. Major League Cricket will launch in summer 2023. www.majorleaguecricket.com has further details.
About Mumbai Indians
The Indian Premier League team Mumbai Indians is owned by Reliance Industries Limited (IPL). With the recent growth of #OneFamily, MI currently owns five T20 teams in four countries: MI Emirates in International League T20, MI Cape Town in SA20, Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League, and MI New York in Major League Cricket in 2023.
Mumbai Indians has won seven titles, including a record five IPL crowns and two Champions League T20 wins, over the last 16 years. Brand Finance, a global brand valuation agency, gave Mumbai Indians an AA brand strength grade and doubled its brand worth since 2009.
MI has over 50 million global #MIPaltan admirers. MI is a valuable brand in the global cricketing ecosystem due to high stakeholder trust, brand investment, fan engagement, and performance.
Summary of Today’s Cricket News
Overall, they have made great strides, according to Cricket Scotland, since the study that exposed institutional racism was released; Comments are “unsubstantiated nonsense,” according to Running Out of Racism. Cricket Scotland is still under strict monitoring by Sport Scotland until all recommendations are implemented.
On the other hand, while continuing his recovery from a broken leg suffered last summer, Jonny Bairstow is likely to skip the Indian Premier League this season in favor of preparing for the Ashes. The 33-year-old has shown promising improvement following surgery on his left leg, which included the insertion of a metal plate. Last month, Bairstow started sprinting outside again, and just recently, he’s been hitting balls in the nets again.
Finally, Reliance Industries Limited, the parent company of the Mumbai Indians, recently revealed plans to expand the successful MI #OneFamily to include a new franchise in New York called MI New York. Subject to customary due diligence; negotiation and signature of definitive binding agreements; and receipt of necessary corporate, regulatory, and third-party clearances and compliances, the team will compete in the inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC).