The England women’s captain, Heather Knight, has issued an apology after being reprimanded and given a suspended £1,000 fine for attending a fancy dress party in blackface back in 2012. Recent pictures from the event, which was an end-of-season gathering at a Kent cricket club themed around “sports stars,” surfaced on Facebook, prompting the Cricket Regulator to charge Knight last month with bringing the game into disrepute.
Knight, who was 21 at the time the photographs were taken and is now 33, admitted the charge but was able to show that, according to interim director of the Cricket Regulator, Dave Lewis, “there was no racist intent in her conduct.” She also provided the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) with references that strongly supported her positive influence on players from various ethnicities and backgrounds.
The CDC’s adjudicator, solicitor and former professional cricketer Tim O’Gorman, decided that the details of the case should be made public “to underscore that such inappropriate behavior, regardless of its historical context, is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.” Knight will continue to lead the England team, including at the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates next month.
“I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012,” Knight stated. “It was wrong, and I have long regretted it. At that time, I was not as aware of the implications and consequences of my actions as I am now. There was no ill-intent meant.
“While I can’t change the past, I am dedicated to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game, ensuring that underrepresented groups have the same opportunities and fulfillment within cricket as I have.”
Richard Gould, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, commented: “Heather acknowledges this was a serious error of judgment that occurred over a decade ago and has appropriately apologized. As a public figure and leader, Heather has been relentless in her efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable future for cricket. She has been a strong advocate for diversity and marginalized communities, demonstrating herself to be a positive role model.
“While we cannot alter the past, we can certainly learn from it. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to combat racism and discrimination. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and belonging for all.”
