An investigation undertaken by Plan4Sport found 448 indicators of institutional racism at Cricket Scotland, which failed 29 of 31 tests used to measure the problem and only partially satisfied the remaining two.

Allegations include racial abuse, inappropriate language, favouritism of white children from public schools and an unclear selection process for non-white players.

Investigators said that contributors had “clearly witnessed or experienced racism, discrimination and persistent micro-aggressions based on race during their role as a coach, umpire or player”.

The review was launched following complaints made by two Scotland cricket internationals, Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh.

Cricket Scotland has been put on special measures until at least October 2023, in addition to the Western District Cricket Union (WDCU), which organises and promotes cricket to half the population of Scotland.

Cricket Scotland’s disciplinary function has been suspended and given to another organisation. Investigators also concluded they had little confidence in the ability of the WDCU to manage cases of racism fairly.

Louise Tideswell, Plan4Sport’s managing director, said on publication: “Our view is clear – the governance and leadership practices of Cricket Scotland have been institutionally racist. We have seen the bravery of so many people coming forward to share their stories which had clearly impacted on their lives.

“People who have loved cricket and, despite the many knockbacks, continued to try and make progress, umpires who committed so many hours even though promotion never came, and players who saw or heard racism and hostility but kept coming back to play.

“The reality is that the leadership of the organisation failed to see the problems and, in failing to do so, enabled a culture of racially aggravated micro-aggressions to develop.”

Stewart Harris, chief executive of SportScotland, said: “We will keep all options on the table as we hold Cricket Scotland to account on all of the recommendations contained within this report.

“Today should also act as a wake-up call for all of Scottish sport. Racism is a societal problem and it is no longer good enough to simply be non-racist. Scottish sport must now be actively anti-racist.”