Ben Stokes: ‘The recreation I really like needs to be loved with out discrimination’
The points raised within the report have overshadowed England’s preparations for the competition, and at first of his pre-match press convention, captain Ben Stokes learn the next assertion.
“Just before I start, I want to make it clear I have not read the report as it only came out last night.
“To the individuals concerned within the recreation who’ve been made to really feel unwelcome or unaccepted up to now, I’m deeply sorry to listen to of your experiences. Cricket is a recreation that should have fun variety on all fronts as a result of with out variety, this recreation wouldn’t be the place it’s at right now.
“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. I have been an England player since 2011 and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of some incredibly diverse teams and love how everyone has a different story to tell.
“We should go additional and be extra inclusive and various as a result of the sport I really like – and thousands and thousands worldwide love – needs to be loved with out worry of discrimination or judgement whether or not that be on account of your upbringing, race or gender.
“As I said earlier, everyone has a different story to tell. I am Ben Stokes, born in New Zealand, a state-educated pupil who dropped out of school at 16 with one GCSE in PE. I needed help with the spelling and grammar in this speech and I am currently sitting here as the England men’s Test captain.
“It is obvious there may be a lot extra the sport has to do and, as gamers, we actually wish to be part of that to make sure that is really a sport for everybody.”