Blain reinstated to Cricket Scotland Hall of Fame

Former fast bowler John Blain is to be reinstated to the Cricket Scotland Hall of Fame.

Capped 118 times, the 47-year-old was inducted in May 2019 but "temporarily suspended" in July 2022.

At the time, the governing body declined to explain the reasons behind its decision.

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Blain released a statement saying: "I am enormously grateful to the many, many people who have stood by me since I was falsely accused of racism."

The former Northamptonshire and Yorkshire player described representing Scotland as the "greatest honour of my life", saying his removal from the Hall of Fame "was one of the biggest blows during a very challenging period for me and my family".

Blain also described cricket as a "force for good in Scotland, bringing together players from many different backgrounds".

In January 2024, Blain was informed by Cricket Scotland that allegations against him were "unfounded" and no further action would be taken.

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However, the independent report's findings were only revealed by Blain himself five months later as he called for an inquiry into the actions of the governing body.

In a separate investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board in March 2023, Blain was one of six players found guilty of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

He later argued the findings for Cricket Scotland "fatally undermines the ECB process".

On his reinstatement, Cricket Scotland's board approved the recommendation of the Hall of Fame appointment panel, which is chaired by Omar Henry, the organisation's president.

Cricket Scotland added Blain's suspension would be lifted, subject to his completion of equality, diversity and inclusion training approved by them.

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