England women’s captain Heather Knight has admitted and apologised for her racism charge and has been suspended with a 1000 pound fine over her social media post from 2012 ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
As per a report, she was pictured with blackface in the post while attending a dance dress party in Kent where her behaviour was found to be offensive.
Knight was aged 21 when the incident took place and said that there was no intent behind her actions.
England Women’s Captain Heather Knight and ECB CEO Richard Gould have responded to today’s Cricket Discipline Commission decision here – https://t.co/Okx6CFBYQ4 https://t.co/hXSoyCjbua
— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) September 23, 2024
“I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012. It was wrong, and I have long regretted it. Back then, I simply was not as educated as to the implications and consequences of my actions as I have become since. There was no ill intent meant,” said an official statement issued by ECB on behalf of Knight.
“While I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game, ensuring under-represented groups are afforded the same opportunities and fulfilment within the game as I have,” said the 33-year-old.
Knight promptly accepted the charges brought last month, showed remorse and apologised for her conduct.
Her punishment takes into account the fact she did not have any education about the issues involved in posing for such a photo at the time and the work she undertakes to promote diversity.
“At a ‘sports stars’ themed party in 2012, Ms Knight appeared in a photo in fancy dress with blackface. This, I find, was racist and discriminatory conduct,” said O’Gorman’s judgement.
Knight has played 12 tests, 143 ODIs and 119 T20Is amassing a total of 6783 runs and also picked 84 wickets across all formats.
Heather Knight will be leading the England squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 starting on October 03.
England Squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Heather Knight (c), Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Bess Heath
