Study highlights underrepresentation of South Asian and Black female cricketers in ECB talent pathway

Significant underrepresentation of South Asian and Black female cricketers within the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) talent pathway has been highlighted by a new study.

The Birmingham City University research raises more questions about diversity and inclusivity in the game.  

“The lack of diversity in women's cricket reflects broader patterns seen in many professional sports, where systemic inequalities persist despite growing awareness,” said Hina Shafi (pictured), a PhD researcher who conducted the study.  

Shafi has presented her research to a number of the game’s key stakeholders, including the ECB and the Professional Cricketers’ Association. 

They are already working with the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, which was set up in 2021 to investigate racial equality, gender equality and social equality in the game. 

“My data analysis uncovered a lack of representation among British Asian and Black girls and women throughout the ECB’s talent pathway,” Shafi revealed.  

“At the professional level, only two out of 150 women and girls are Black. Additionally, while South Asian women are overrepresented at the youth level (11.6%), their presence declines significantly as they transition into the professional game. 

“Currently, only five South Asian players compete professionally, making up just 3.3% of the professional cohort - rendering them almost three times underrepresented at this level.”  

The research also found disparities based on educational background. 

Women from state schools make up 69.3 per cent of participants at professional level as well as over 40 per cent across the talent pathway, a higher proportion than their male counterparts. 

However, private schools remain significantly overrepresented, accounting for 28.7 per cent of female participants in the professional game.  

Shafi emphasised the need for deeper investigation into these disparities. 

 “I will be investigating the underlying factors behind these anomalies, aiming to understand the structural and systemic influences that contribute to these trends,” she said.  

The study is providing added impetus for the BESTA Cricket Project, which was established by BCU, ECB, South Asian Cricket Academy, Take Her Lead, and ACE Programme to create talent systems that support young Black and Asian athletes across the UK, especially females.  

Dr Adam Kelly, director of Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab at BCU, praised the impact of Shafi’s work. 

“The research we have conducted at BCU alongside our key partners has been extremely influential – and Hina’s work is just as important and pivotal,” he said. 

“We are pleased to be working with the right people to help improve the equity in the game as well as widen the pool of potential talent for our nation. 

“It will fuel real change and impact policy, including how the ECB respond to the ICEC Report. I’m excited to see what happens next.”  

BCU has already been a trailblazer when it comes to representation in cricket. 

A previous research project led to the formation of the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA), which has propelled several South Asian male players to national and internal stardom. 

Among them is Jafer Chohan, a London-born leg-spinner who was selected for England’s tour of the West Indies at the end of 2024.