AN INVESTIGATION has begun in relation to an alleged racist word used by an Oxfordshire Cricket player during a game earlier this month.

Oxfordshire Cricket released a statement confirming an independent investigator has been assigned to look into the charge, which relates to a match against Berkshire.

The statement read: “An independent Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) investigator appointed by the ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board] and NCCA [National Counties Cricket Association] and working alongside Oxfordshire Cricket Board has begun an investigation into a charge in relation to a racist word written by an Oxfordshire player during the men’s 1st XI match between Berkshire County Cricket Club and Oxfordshire on May 1, 2023.

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“The charge is with regard to breaching the following provisions of the ECB General Conduct Regulations: acting in a manner that is contrary to the ECB’s Anti-Discriminatory Code.

“The investigation is now in progress and the Oxfordshire Cricket Board will issue a further statement when the hearing is concluded and any sanctions are issued.”

The fixture against Berkshire saw Oxon’s hopes of retaining their National Counties T20 crown come to an end.

Berkshire overcame Oxon with a thrilling three-wickets win in the opening match of their double-header at Thame. Oxon then won the second match by 41 runs.