England's captain Ben Stokes has issued an apology on behalf of England Cricket after reports found racism, sexism, classism and elitism throughout the entirety of the English cricket system.
Over 4000 responses were lodged and considered as evidence in the Commission for Equity in Cricket report, including levels of cricket from a recreational and professional point of view. Stokes, Joe Root, and England's female captain Heather Knight had all participated in the report being one of the respondents to the enquiry.
The report revealed that women had often been referred to as 'subordinate' to men at all levels, with racist remarks being linked with prejudice against people in certain social classes.
Stokes faced the media prior to the upcoming second Ashes Test acknowledging the issue, expressing his sympathy towards the victims and that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of the environment for all players.
"It is clear there is so much more the game has to do and as players, we really want to be a part of that to ensure this is truly a sport for everyone," Stokes said.
"As a sport, we need to learn from past mistakes and do all we can to make people feel safe and be themselves at every level. The game should be enjoyed without fear of discrimination.
"To the people involved within the game who have been made to feel unwelcome, I am deeply sorry to hear of your experiences. Cricket needs to celebrate diversity on all fronts, as without diversity it would not be the game it is today.
"We must go further and be more inclusive and diverse because the game I love and millions worldwide love should be enjoyed without fear of discrimination or judgement whether due to upbringing, race or gender."
The report has found that 'classism' and 'elitism' had been recognised to come from the majority of cricketers with a private education, with approximately 58 per cent of England's side made up of privately educated players but only seven per cent of England's population undertaking private education.
"Everyone has a different story to tell," Stokes said.
"I am Ben Stokes, born in New Zealand, a state-educated pupil who dropped out of school at 16 … I needed help with the spelling and grammar in this speech and am currently sitting here as the England men's Test captain."
The second Ashes Test begins Wednesday night AEST at Lord's, where England will be hoping to level the series at 1-1.
