LONDON: England women’s cricket captain Heather Knight has been reprimanded and given a suspended 1,000 ($1,300) fine after a historical photograph of her in “blackface” emerged on social media.

Knight, set to lead England at next month’s Women’s T20 World Cup, said she was “truly sorry” for conduct that was deemed “racist and discriminatory” by Cricket Discipline Commission adjudicator Tim O’Gorman.

However, O’Gorman accepted there was no racist or discriminatory intent by Knight, who was 21 when the image was taken at a fancy dress party in 2012.

Knight, whose fine has been suspended for two years, said in a statement: “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.

“Whilst 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.”

The picture of Knight in blackface was posted to the Facebook account of another person.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2024