An independent review into Scottish cricket has found widespread evidence of institutional racism within the governance and organisation of the sport.
The report, undertaken following complaints of institutional racism by Scotland internationals Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh, revealed a staggering 448 indicators of discriminatory behaviour upon its publication.
Both Haq – Scotland's second-highest ODI wicket-taker of all time – and Sheikh alleged institutional racism had impacted their careers in November 2021, with the review being set up the following month.
Equality and diversity group Plan4Sport carried out the review on behalf of funding body SportScotland, and found "a lack of any equality, diversity and inclusion or anti-racist training for board, staff, volunteers, players, coaches or umpires, no consistent mechanism for handling racist incidents, [and] a general lack of diversity and a lack of transparency in the selection processes".
Of 31 'tests' used to measure the extent of the problem, the game's governing body Cricket Scotland failed 29.
On Sunday, Cricket Scotland's entire board resigned ahead of the publication of the report.
With the review's findings revealed in full on Monday, Cricket Scotland's interim chief executive Gordon Arthur pledged to implement its recommendations, which included diversity quotas for the organisation's new board, in full.
"The racism and discrimination that has taken place in the sport that we all love should never have been allowed to happen, or to go unchallenged for so long," Arthur said in a statement.
"I would like to again issue a heartfelt apology to all those who have been the victims of racism and discrimination in Scottish cricket. We recognise the impact this will have had on individuals and their families.
"We hope the report provides them with some reassurance that their voices have been heard, and we are sorry this did not happen sooner.
"It's also imperative that we recognise the individuals who spoke out against racism and brought these serious problems to light and, despite their own suffering, continue to campaign for a fairer future for the sport.
"This report is a watershed moment for cricket in Scotland and taking its recommendations forward is the top priority. It’s clear that significant cultural change must happen and it must happen quickly.
"We are resolute on building and fostering a culture of inclusivity within the sport of cricket where racism and discrimination of any kind is not tolerated, where everyone is welcome and has access to equal opportunities.
"We must address the past, repair the sport and ensure history does not repeat itself and we will need everyone’s commitment to make this change happen."