Ben Stokes: ‘The game I love should be enjoyed without discrimination’

The long-awaited report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket was printed on Tuesday, and provided a damning critique of each English cricket, and Marylebone Cricket Membership – the hosts for this week’s second Take a look at towards Australia at Lord’s. The problems raised within the report have overshadowed England’s preparations for the competition, and on the finish of his pre-match press convention, captain Ben Stokes learn the next assertion.

“Simply earlier than I’m going, I need to make it clear I’ve not learn the report because it solely got here out final night time.

“To the individuals concerned within the recreation who’ve been made to really feel unwelcome or unaccepted previously, I’m deeply sorry to listen to of your experiences. Cricket is a recreation that should have fun range on all fronts as a result of with out range, this recreation wouldn’t the place it’s at at present.

“As a sport, we have to be taught from previous errors and do all we are able to to make individuals really feel protected and be themselves at each degree. I’ve been an England participant since 2011 and I really feel very lucky to have been part of some extremely numerous groups and love how everybody has a distinct story to inform. We should go additional and be extra inclusive and numerous as a result of the sport I really like – and tens of millions worldwide love – must be loved with out concern of discrimination or judgement whether or not that be because of your upbringing, race or gender.

“As I mentioned earlier, everybody has a distinct story to inform. I’m Ben Stokes, born in New Zealand, a state-educated pupil who dropped out of faculty at 16 with one GCSE in PE. I need assistance with the spelling and grammar on this speech and I’m presently sitting right here because the England males’s Take a look at captain.

“It’s clear there may be a lot extra the sport has to do and as gamers we actually need to be part of that to make sure that is actually a sport for everybody.”