Different Class: The Untold Story of English Cricket

Different Class challenges the widely accepted orthodoxy of English cricket by demonstrating how the values and belief systems at its heart were intentionally developed to divide the English along class lines at every level of the game. Social class remains the greatest barrier to participation in what used to be the national game.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2022
Publisher: Watkins Media

In 1963, the West Indian Marxist C.L.R. James posed a thought-provoking question that aimed to challenge the public's perception of cricket and its significance. He asked, "What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?" James intended to urge people to re-examine cricket and its place in society, politics, and the economy by placing it in its rightful context. However, his attempt was subtly undermined, leading to the retention of the same historical strains and characteristics of cricket in England as a century ago.

Different Class, a book that delves into recreational rather than professional (first-class) cricket, goes beyond challenging the widely accepted orthodoxy of English cricket. It demonstrates how the values and belief systems at the core of the game were intentionally crafted to create divisions among English individuals at every level of the sport. This process resulted in the emergence of opposing class-based cricket cultures in the North and South of England.

While the exclusion of Black and South Asian cricketers from the recreational mainstream is the most apparent manifestation of this phenomenon, it is social class that remains the most significant barrier to participation in what was once the national game. The institutional structures established by those in charge of English cricket continue to perpetuate discrimination, despite the efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity.

It is crucial to recognize that cricket, like any other sport, has the power to bring people together and promote social cohesion. However, the historical and institutional factors that have shaped cricket in England have perpetuated inequalities and barriers to participation. It is time for cricket to address these issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable sport for all.

One potential solution lies in promoting grassroots cricket and providing opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to participate in the game. This can include initiatives such as community cricket clubs, youth programs, and scholarships to support talented players from underrepresented communities. Additionally, cricket organizations need to address the systemic racism and discrimination that exist within the sport, both at the administrative and cultural levels.

Furthermore, it is essential to recognize the historical and cultural significance of cricket in England and to work towards preserving and celebrating its diversity. This can include initiatives to promote the representation of Black and South Asian cricketers in the sport, as well as to educate the public about the contributions of these communities to the game's history and development.

In conclusion, the history of cricket in England has been marked by tensions and divisions, largely due to the sport's association with social class and institutional structures. Different Class offers a valuable perspective on the development of class-based cricket cultures and the ongoing discrimination faced by Black and South Asian cricketers. By promoting grassroots cricket, addressing systemic racism and discrimination, and preserving and celebrating cricket's diversity, the sport can strive towards becoming a more inclusive and equitable institution for all.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913462802
Edition number: New ed