Rainford-Brent praises Rafiq's efforts against racism.
Former England cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent has praised Azeem Rafiq for his bravery in addressing racism in cricket. On BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Rainford-Brent said Rafiq’s actions were vital in forcing the sport to confront deep-rooted issues.
In August 2020, Rafiq first made claims of historical racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club. He later described English cricket as “institutionally racist.” Following an independent investigation in September 2021, seven of Rafiq’s 43 allegations were upheld. In 2022, a hearing confirmed that five former players had used racist and discriminatory language, bringing the sport into disrepute.
Rainford-Brent, the first Black woman to represent England in cricket, commended Rafiq’s efforts despite his challenges. “I was so proud of him because I knew the impact was not going to be pretty, but also, I knew what he was doing was for the bigger picture,” she said. “We owe him a lot. He did what I could never have done – rip the bandage off.”
The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) published a report in June 2023 that revealed widespread discrimination in cricket across England and Wales. In answer, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) pledged in September 2023 to address racism, sexism, classism, and elitism in the sport.
Rainford-Brent, who retired in 2012 and now holds roles as a broadcaster and ECB board member, noted that while cricket has made progress, it remains far from achieving lasting change. “We’re still a long way away. These problems are deep-rooted, and solving them will take decades of sustained effort. But there are plans in place, and we are seeing growth,” she said.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Rainford-Brent recalled the challenges of a young Black girl from southeast London entering a predominantly white and affluent cricketing environment. “It was tough to fit in. My first cricket bat was a £5 find at a garden sale in Brixton. Many other kids had private coaching from a young age,” she shared.
Rainford-Brent described enduring insensitive remarks about her hair, cultural misunderstandings, and a lack of diversity in cricket. She said the fear of losing her spot often kept her from speaking out. “I wish I had been more vocal. But back then, challenging the system felt impossible,” she admitted.
The former cricketer also spoke about the personal tragedy of losing her brother to a stabbing at a young age and her mother’s dedication to supporting her cricketing aspirations. These experiences motivated Rainford-Brent to create the African Caribbean Engagement (ACE) charity she launched four years ago.
The ACE programme seeks to reconnect young people of African and Caribbean heritage with cricket, addressing the sharp decline in Black professional players. “Seeing young people chase their dreams in a supportive environment has been special,” she said.
Rainford-Brent’s candid discussion sheds light on the enduring challenges within cricket and the importance of addressing discrimination at all levels. Her interview is available on Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds from 10:00 GMT on December 8.
