Cricket Scotland investigates board member"s offensive tweets about Pakistanis

Cricket Scotland has initiated a formal investigation into board member Khizar Ali following the resurfacing of historical tweets from 2012 that included the derogatory 'P' word in reference to Pakistanis. Ali, who joined the board in May 2023, expressed regret over his past use of the term, initially believing it was a means of reclaiming it. He acknowledged the potential harm his words could cause within the South Asian and cricketing communities and extended sincere apologies to those affected. The tweets also reportedly contained derogatory language towards Indians, raising further concerns about Ali's past conduct. Cricket Scotland, which underwent a complete board overhaul last year due to findings of institutional racism, is committed to addressing all forms of discrimination. A spokesperson emphasized the organization's dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants in the sport. Ali's involvement with the campaign group Running Out Racism has added complexity to the situation, as the group expressed disappointment over his past comments. They highlighted the emotional impact of his tweets on the communities they support, while also acknowledging his willingness to engage in discussions about the issue. The investigation reflects Cricket Scotland's zero-tolerance stance on racism and unacceptable behavior, aiming to ensure that the sport remains welcoming and inclusive. The outcome of this inquiry will be closely watched by both the cricketing community and the public, as it underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing racism within sports organizations.