Cricket Scotland chief says new strategy marks ‘significant step forward’

Cricket Scotland’s new four-year strategy is a “significant step forward” for the organisation, its chief executive has said.

The strategy, Uniting People And Communities Through Cricket, is being launched at Aberdeenshire Cricket Club in Aberdeen ahead of the second ICC U19 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Scotland and the Netherlands.

It is designed to set out a “vision and pathway” through to 2028, with a specific focus on inspiring women and girls to take up the sport, embedding a culture of equality, and developing sustainable success on the pitch.

It also seeks to make Cricket Scotland a trusted and effective governing body.

The strategy comes after Cricket Scotland faced allegations of racism in recent years, with bowler Hamza Tahir launching a grievance case against the organisation and retiring from international cricket in June.

Tahir said he felt he was “held back” in major tournaments before being told his contract was not being renewed, although Cricket Scotland said it was “satisfied” with the decision.

In 2022, an independent report into racism in the sport was commissioned, detailing hundreds of instances of institutional racism.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Cricket Scotland chief executive Trudy Lindblade said: “This four-year strategic plan marks a significant step forward for the organisation, as we set out to unite people and communities through the power of cricket.

“The strategy is about making cricket accessible and enjoyable for all and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared success; from our newest participants to our men’s and women’s teams who represent Scotland on the world stage.

“It is people who make our cricketing community so special – my message to all our players, coaches, volunteers, match officials and administrators is that we cannot deliver this strategy without you.

“I would like to thank everyone who has played a role in shaping the strategy over the last year from across Scottish cricket.”

She also used the occasion to praise the Scottish national teams.

“We are incredibly proud of the efforts of our men’s and women’s elite and under-19 teams on and off the field so far this year, and how they represent Scotland and Scottish cricket,” Ms Lindblade said.

“We wish our very best to the U19 women’s squad as they play their second match against Netherlands today, as they bid to qualify for the U19 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in January next year.”

The strategy comes as Cricket Scotland strives to repair its image following the damaging racism crisis.

On being appointed chief executive in early 2024, Ms Lindblade said she was “committed to leading Cricket Scotland’s effort to stamp out racism our sport and to ensure we embody the spirit of community, belonging and equal respect”.