Essex County Cricket Club is facing charges of historical racism and discrimination following an investigation conducted by English cricket's newly established regulator. The regulator, led by interim director Dave Lewis, alleges that the club violated ECB directive 3.3, which pertains to conduct, acts, or omissions that may prejudice the interests of cricket or bring the game into disrepute.
The investigation revealed systemic instances of racist and discriminatory language and behaviour within the club between 2001 and 2010, which Essex allegedly failed to address. A report conducted last December by Katharine Newton KC highlighted that ethnic, racial, and religious comments were treated as casual banter at Chelmsford during this period.
The investigation focused on the testimonies of three unnamed players, identified as Jahid Ahmed, Maurice Chambers, and Zoheb Sharif. It revealed that players of Asian heritage were frequently subjected to derogatory terms such as "curry munchers," while one individual was labelled "Bomber" following the 9/11 attacks. Additionally, black players faced racist taunts involving bananas.
An independent panel from the Cricket Discipline Commission will convene to hear the case at a date yet to be determined.
In light of these allegations, Essex County Cricket Club faces significant repercussions. Notably, Yorkshire previously received a 48-point penalty in the County Championship, a further four points deduction in the Twenty20 Blast, and a £400,000 fine after admitting to four amended charges of violating directive 3.3 last year.
Essex chairman Anu Mohindru stated on Monday night that "fundamental errors" had been made in the past, emphasising that these actions do not reflect the values of the current Essex Cricket Club.