Essex have been fined £100,000, £50,000 of which was suspended for two years, following claims of systemic and long-term racism and discrimination within the club.
Essex admitted one breach of Guideline 3.3, which “related to the systematic use of racist and/or discriminatory language and/or behaviour between 2001 and 2010.” Essex was also given a warning and reprimand as part of the sanctions.
The committee said it could not apply sports sanctions such as point deductions.
Sanction decisions by the Cricket Disciplinary Committee (CDC) are made by an independent committee comprising Nigel Popplewell (Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee), Professor Seema Patel and Mark Milliken-Smith KC.
Essex has until October 2 to appeal.
Dave Lewis, interim chief executive of the cricket regulator, said: “The racism experienced at Essex County Cricket Club over many years was abhorrent and the evidence from those who suffered abuse is deeply disturbing. They have shown real courage in speaking out and I hope these charges will help ensure no one ever experiences the suffering they have experienced again and that this kind of racism is never normalised.
“The sanctions announced today against the Club by a panel of the Independent Cricket Disciplinary Commission follow a lengthy and complex investigation by the cricket regulator and follow the Club’s own investigation, which has resulted in sanctions being imposed on a number of individuals. The CDC panel took into account the fact that Essex had pleaded guilty to the charges and had already taken significant steps to address those issues and become a more inclusive Club.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould said: “There is no place for racism in our sport. I am appalled by what those who experienced racism in Essex went through and how such behaviour can be normalised. It is important that as a sport we listen to their experiences, learn from them and ensure such suffering never happens again.
“I welcome the steps Essex has taken in recent years to address these issues and become a more inclusive club, and the commitment they have shown to make further progress.
“Last year the whole game responded positively to the action plan we set out in response to the Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket and we will update you on the progress we have made in due course. We know there is still much to do and we are determined to tackle discrimination wherever it exists and break down barriers to ensure cricket remains the most inclusive team sport in England and Wales.”
Essex County Cricket Club chairman Anu Mohindroo KC said: “Essex County Cricket Club welcomes the publication of the independent report, which is an important step towards correcting the mistakes of the past and most importantly creating a brighter future for everyone associated with our club.”
“As Ms Newton’s findings show, there were fundamental flaws in the past that do not reflect the Essex of today. Across the club, significant progress has been made in creating a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected, regardless of background, identity or beliefs.
“This extends to the fantastic community work that is taking place across the region and we understand our responsibility to the local community as a county club representing the local community.
“I have met with the affected individuals to apologise on behalf of the Club and explain the work the Board has done in preparing the report. Following the independent committee’s recommendations, 12 Club is now taking steps to address the individuals who may face sanctions. The Club will do this promptly but will remain impartial towards the individuals involved.”
In July last year, Yorkshire were fined £400,000 (£300,000 banned for two years) and had 48 Championship points deducted and four T20 Blast points deducted for failing to address discrimination allegations against former player Azim Rafik and the systematic use of racist and discriminatory language over a period of time between 2004 and 2021.
