‘Baked in’ racism and bigotry is not just cricket – it’s endemic

Editorial: The problems that plague the national game clearly cut to the core of British society and make a mockery of efforts to brush institutional racism under the carpet

The cosy assumption shared by some that modern Britain is free of such behaviour is painfully misplaced and, indeed, part of the problem (PA)

It is difficult to think of a great British institution that hasn’t had its reputation trashed for any combination of racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, abuse and corruption in recent times. From the banks to the Metropolitan Police to the tabloid press, the BBC to the SNP, the churches, water companies and right up to Buckingham Palace and to No 10 Downing Street, organisations that are part of the warp and weft of society, and which should command respect and trust, have been found badly wanting – and too often “institutionally” flawed.

Only this week we were reminded of how a now-deceased key suspect in the Stephen Lawrence case was allowed to escape justice, as well as at the time of the botched investigation in the 1990s. It was an uncomfortable reminder of just how deep-seated prejudices can be, and how powerful complacency and the instinct of organisations to close ranks and execute a cover-up can be.

Racism, sexism and all the other social evils seem depressingly resistant to apparently more encouraging trends in social attitudes and cohesion. It is as if some malaise had torn through the nation, and we are left wondering if it is incurable. Now, it is the turn of cricket to face its shame and the challenge of recovering its integrity.