Kindness, outrage and talking to each other in cricket

If you’ve been affected by any of the topics in this article, you can get support from the organisations listed here.

It’s been a deeply troubling few weeks across the country with the UK riots pulling back the curtain on ugly societal divisions.

That was followed by the news that ex-England and Surrey batter Graham Thorpe took his own life.

Both of these have weighed on me and prompted some reflection that has led to this article.

Disciplinary incidents

Recreational cricket is reflective of our society and is at the heart of our communities. It can endlessly be a power for good but I couldn’t help but feel depressed by the Yorkshire Cricket Board’s recent statement:

“Over recent weeks, we have seen an increase in disciplinary incidents within the recreational game in Yorkshire. We are also aware of wider community tensions which has led to a number of community programmes being cancelled this week too.”

It continued: “We would like to remind clubs, players, spectators and officials of their responsibilities both on and off the pitch and encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the General Conduct Regulations and Recreational Conduct Regulations.

Please respect each other and play within the spirit of cricket.”

Cricket is a game for everyone

Leshia Hawkins, Managing Director, Recreational Game, England and Wales Cricket Board said:

“We value and celebrate our diverse backgrounds and each person’s unique contributions. Whether playing, working, or supporting the sport, we must stand united in our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all. Together, we ensure cricket is a place where everyone is welcome and valued. Cricket is proud to be a game for everyone.”

While I wholeheartedly agree with those sentiments, it feels like a collective albatross around our neck that it needs to be said at all.

Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised.

Discrimination in cricket

I happen to have a number of interviews that unusually for me, are being held back to allow a bit of calm and breathing space before they go live.

They reflect the reality here in Yorkshire – as well as vital work being done – but discrimination bubbles under the surface in cricket and life; the likes of which as a white male I’ve never had to suffer myself and I can only begin to comprehend.

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Private conversations I’ve had this summer across the game tell me that we have a long, long way to go – and yet, it’s not hard to be buoyed by all of the efforts across the recreational game to make a difference.

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As a writer covering the grassroots game, I try to show all sides of what actually happens; the good, the bad and the ugly. Yorkshire cricket has been through a maelstrom for a number of years now but to read some reports, you’d think racism and discrimination halts at county borders.

Regardless, we all have to face it, oppose it and encourage change. We can and must do better.

Empathy

While you might think Cricket Yorkshire brings to mind beautiful grounds, roving reports and cricket teas, we have run interviews on societal fractures, tragedy, those who are no longer with us and battles with everything from cancer to mental health.

As an empath, I absorb these stories; conscious of giving them the importance and audience they deserve. It’s for others to say whether I get that right but I can only do so many as they take a personal toll.

The news about Graham Thorpe hit home. His pedigree for Surrey and England was unquestionable and he was part of my enduring love of English Test cricket.

The stats will point to 6,744 runs in 100 Tests at an average of 44.66, with 16 hundreds but this is only the beginning. A left-hander capable of elegance and attrition, the photo of Thorpe in white headband in the gloom of Karachi, walking off with Nasser Hussain, is one that is seared into my consciousness.

According to Cricinfo (and they’d probably know), it was our first series victory in Pakistan for 39 years. Apparently, it was also Pakistan’s first defeat in 35 Tests at the National Stadium.

Most crushing of all was the manner of his passing.

Anxiety, depression and suicide

His death will cause cricket to do much soul-searching as we seek to raise awareness and help those in need to get support.

At different times since I began this website 14 years ago, I have written about those in cricket who really struggled mentally to the point where they have considered the unthinkable.

To a greater or lesser degree, we all face mental hurdles, stress and times in our lives when we just can’t cope.

It brought to mind the harrowing statistic from men’s suicide prevention charity, Andy’s Man Club. On average, one man every two hours takes his life in the UK.

It happens much more than you think and though it’s inconceivable, this is the reality.

Yet, help is at hand and we can all play our part.

#ItsOkToTalk

Here in Yorkshire, many individuals, clubs and leagues support the work of national and local charities like Andy’s Man Club and the Samaritans. Anecdotally, I’ve noticed more fundraising, discussion and campaigns in club cricket than ever before.

All of which brings me to #ItsOkToTalk.

The annual T20 match is in its fifth year begun by Warren Bird at Darfield Cricket Club. It started out with ordering a few mental health bat stickers then gained momentum to a floodlit game in front of 600 at Darfield.

Conisbrough and Whiston Parish Church have also held matches with Castleford, this year’s hosts, providing players for the game for a number of years now.

Warren told me that since it all began, he and friends have raised in the region of £14,500 which has been divided between Project 14 and Samaritans of Barnsley:

“I can’t thank people enough for their support and generosity, it means the world to me that they’re all supporting such an important illness. More needs to be done as people, especially men, are still taking their own lives in our neighbourhood and more support needs to be in place.”

South Yorkshire Premier League XI vs Its Ok To Talk XI

Kicking off from 5.30pm, Friday’s match at Castleford sees players from all over Yorkshire coming together. If you can get to Savile Park for burgers, beer and cricket, you’ll be very welcome I’m sure.

If you miss the game and read this another time, there is always next year and Opening Up Cricket is well worth a look as a charity offering mental wellbeing and suicide prevention through cricket.

They are looking to host more workshops at clubs and cricket fixtures in 2025.

So, there you go. A meander through some very difficult stuff and yet also a ray of sunshine in the way that grassroots cricket is seeking to play its part in a brighter future.

It is absolutely ok to talk.

It’s about making everyone feel comfortable enough, whatever they’re going through, to share what’s on their mind.

Cutting back the nettles

I’ll finish with a chance meeting I had this week.

I was walking to a cashpoint at the bottom of our hill that winds down some stone steps, with a great wall of nettles on either side.

A gentleman wearing a tweed flat cap was trimming back the nettles. I stopped to have a chat and let him know that he was doing a grand job. On the return leg, again I paused to have a word and learnt that he is 93.

He didn’t need to tackle those nettles and I didn’t need to stop to applaud him.

His act of kindness lifted me and was also a gentle reminder to not disappear into my own world.

Take from this article what you will. If I can ask anything, it’s to pause amid the madness, share a moment of kindness and check in with friends and team-mates.

If you’ve been affected by any of the topics in this article, you can get support from the organisations listed here.