Shocking! First Black England cricketer reveals racism still exists in English cricket amid India Tests

Roland Butcher, the first Black man to represent England in international cricket, has shockingly claimed that racism still haunts cricket and British society. Butcher revealed that people have been fighting racism in England since the 1950s, and the problem still exists in 2025.

The 71-year-old is currently promoting his explosive autobiography, “Breaking Barriers: Barbados to England and Back,” where he opens up about the harsh reality he faced as a Black cricketer in the 1970s and '80s in the England National Cricket Team.

First Black England cricketer Roland Butcher exposes racism in his book

From discrimination in the dressing rooms to indirect sidelining, Butcher’s journey was not easy at all. The former batter, who played only three Tests and three ODIs between 1980 and 1981, bravely recalled how he once refused to support a system built on racial discrimination.

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Roland Butcher was quoted as saying by the Times of India: “I am pragmatic enough to understand that something doesn't just finish just like that. The only thing that would finish anything in a hurry is a meteorite. But everything takes time, and you chip away at it. Racism has been chipped away in England by a foreign person since the 1950s. We're in 2025, and we're still talking about it. So that tells you just how long the process is.”

Roland Butcher calls for unity in tackling racism in the game

Meanwhile, the former England cricketer was shaken by Azeem Rafiq’s racism allegations against Yorkshire in 2020. While those claims brought major changes, Butcher believes that the fight against racism is so long, as it can’t be fixed overnight.

With racism being around for centuries, the former English cricketer said that it will take time and constant effort from everyone involved in cricket, including the ECB and players, to truly level the playing field. Butcher, who played for Middlesex between 1974 and 1990, recalled facing racism during his cricket career but said that he stayed focused on his goals.

He admitted that many other Black players faced more racial discrimination than him. Butcher noted, “For me personally, it wasn't that bad because I am the sort of person that doesn't let anything deter me from what I really want to achieve.”

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It’s getting better: Roland Butcher on changing times in British Cricket

Well, Butcher mentioned that things are improving in modern Britain when it comes to tackling racism. He feels that Britain has become more tolerant over time, especially with so many people from different backgrounds living there now. Unlike in the past, players today feel more supported and are encouraged to speak out if they face discrimination.

He signed off by saying, “I think Britain is a much more tolerant country now than it used to be. Back in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, it would have been much more difficult to call out racism because any Black or Asian or any foreign player didn't feel they could speak out because they were not represented in any way.

Now they've got more of a voice because they're now encouraged to speak out. If you have a problem within your club, you're now encouraged to speak. And they've got people dedicated within the clubs to listen to you and take it forward. That didn't happen before. So again, that is progress.”