Talent identification is not neutral
The Commission found that who progresses in this country is shaped by who a player is as much as by what they can do. Not by intent, but because nothing in the system would reveal it either way.
The ECB has set out where the talent pathway needs to go, and the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket showed why it matters. This is what we have been able to show so far.
The ECB’s Talent Pathway Action Plan identifies ‘driving best practice and reducing bias’ as one of its five priorities for the pathway.
Helping coaches and selectors make more informed and transparent decisions on selection should help reduce bias and discrimination.
The plan also sets expectations around pathway data, selection policies and continuing development for those involved in player identification.
Gloucestershire Cricket have been running EquiPlay across their age groups. Hear it from them, from Wisden and from Pakistan TV.
Cricket has known about the gap between grassroots and the elite pathway for years. Evidence is how it gets closed.
The ICEC report, Holding up a Mirror to Cricket, made clear that cricket must embed fairness, transparency, and genuine opportunity into its culture and everyday practices if real change is to come. The EquiPlay App system represents an innovative step in that direction, offering the game a powerful way to ensure fairness and transparency in decision-making and to support players and coaches across the game. I encourage leaders in cricket to explore its potential.
EquiPlay lets me compare myself to others and which areas of my game I need to improve on. It gives quite specific feedback so I can go into my next net session with a clear goal.
The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket reported in 2023, after the largest consultation the sport has run.
There is a feeling of differential treatment during training, matches and the level of criticism levelled when compared to others…the feeling of inclusion and fair opportunities has not felt right. Other Academy players who have either performed at the same level or less but have been pushed and backed to be given 2nd XI opportunities. My son asks the question as to why his treatment is different…
Quote from a parent in the ICEC Report
The Commission found that who progresses in this country is shaped by who a player is as much as by what they can do. Not by intent, but because nothing in the system would reveal it either way.
It called for decisions about players to be made and recorded in ways that can be explained afterwards, to the player, to a parent, and to anyone holding the game to account.
Good intentions are not measurable. A club can only show it is being fair if it holds the record of what it observed, in a form that can be compared across every player it works with.
A short walkthrough on a club of your size. You will see the organisational view, not just the app.
