Cricket is a sport that is loved and played by millions of people around the world, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or background. However, cricket is not immune to the issues of inequality and discrimination that plague our society. In recent years, several incidents of racism, sexism, and homophobia have tarnished the image of the game and its governing bodies.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has designated Cindy Butts as the chair of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), a newly established body responsible for supervising the execution of the ECB’s diversity and inclusion action plan. Butts is a well-known figure in the field of equity and inclusion, who has a background in justice and policing and is also a trustee of Kick It Out, an anti-discrimination organisation in football.
In this article, we will tell you about Cindy Butts and her passion for cricket. We will also explore her vision for equity and inclusion and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the ICEC. Read on to find out more about the woman who is leading the charge for equity in cricket.
Birth, Parents, and Education
Cindy Butts’ parents came to London from Jamaica in the 1950s. She studied law at the University of Westminster and later completed a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice at King’s College London. With over twenty years of experience, she has focused on improving access to justice, tackling inequality, and overseeing complaint management. She is presently a Visiting Fellow of BPP University (Business Professional People).
The Role of Cindy Butts in the ICEC
Cindy Butts is the head of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), which was set up by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in November 2020 to assess the state of equity in cricket and uncover the realities of people’s experiences within cricket. In March 2021, ECB appointed Cindy Butts as the chair of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC). As the head, Cindy Butts directs the ICEC’s work, which involves:
- Carrying out a thorough and independent assessment of equity in cricket, based on the evidence collected from various sources, such as an open call for submissions, interviews with key stakeholders, surveys of players and staff, and analysis of data and policies.
- Releasing a report in June 2023, which showed that cricket is facing a serious crisis of equity and inclusion, and that the ECB and the wider cricket community have failed to address the systemic and structural barriers that prevent people from diverse backgrounds from participating and progressing in the game.
- Making a number of recommendations to the ECB and the wider cricket community, aimed at transforming the culture and governance of the game, and ensuring that cricket is truly inclusive, diverse, and equitable for all.
- Supervising and monitoring the implementation of the recommendations, and holding the ECB and the wider cricket community accountable for their actions and outcomes.
Cindy Butts has a background in justice and policing and is also a trustee of Kick It Out, an anti-discrimination organisation in football. She has more than two decades of experience in improving access to justice, tackling inequality and complaints handling. She is also a cricket fan and played for her school team as a teenager. She is passionate about making cricket a sport that can bring people together, promote social cohesion, and inspire positive change.
Role of Cindy Butts in Kick it Out
Cindy Butts is a trustee of Kick It Out, an anti-discrimination organisation in football. She has been involved in various initiatives and campaigns to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport, such as:
- Supporting the launch of the Raise Your Game series, which provides mentoring and networking opportunities for people from underrepresented groups who aspire to work in football.
- Engaging in the Football Black List initiative, dedicated to honouring the accomplishments and impact of individuals of African or Caribbean descent in the realm of football.
- Championing the implementation of the Rooney Rule, mandating that clubs consider at least one candidate from black, Asian, or other minority ethnic backgrounds for managerial positions through the interview process.
- Speaking out against racism and discrimination in football, and calling for stronger action and education from the authorities and the clubs.
Social Media
Cindy Butts does not seem to have a personal social media account, such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. However, she has been featured or mentioned in various social media posts by other organisations or individuals, such as the ECB, Kick It Out, the BBC, and the Guardian.
Bottom Line
Cindy Butts is leading the charge for equity in cricket as the chair of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC). With her background in justice and policing, as well as her involvement with Kick It Out, she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating a more inclusive and diverse environment in the sport.
