New Delhi
In the wake of International Women’s Day 2024, Cricket Scotland’s commitment to inclusivity was put under scrutiny as a damning independent report unveiled systemic issues regarding the treatment of women and girls within the organization.
Dubbed ‘The McKinney Report’, the findings revealed a toxic environment rife with prejudice against female staff and players. Conducted by a prominent Scottish HR firm, the report highlighted antiquated attitudes towards women, particularly prevalent at club levels.
This revelation follows a prior independent review in 2022, ‘Changing The Boundaries’, which labeled Cricket Scotland as ‘institutionally racist’, leading to the resignation of the entire board.
The 35-page McKinney report outlined various concerning behaviors, cultures, and practices within Cricket Scotland, dating back to pre-2022 and persisting in the subsequent two years. It emphasized differential treatment of women compared to their male counterparts, with their specific needs often dismissed.
Crucially, the report identified sexism as a pervasive issue within Scottish cricket and proposed nine recommendations to address these deeply ingrained problems.
In response, Cricket Scotland’s chief executive, Trudy Lindblade, issued a public apology, acknowledging the unacceptable behaviors allowed to persist within the organization. She pledged comprehensive efforts to rectify the situation and improve the standing of women and girls in Scottish cricket.
This report is a damning indictment of the treatment of female players and staff within our organization, Lindblade expressed. We must undertake significant efforts to reform cricket in Scotland and ensure a more inclusive and respectful environment for all, Lindblade later added.
