Truly sorry: England captain Heather Knight reacts after being handed suspended fine over racist photo

England women's cricket captain Heather Knight, on Monday (Sep 23),came under the scanner as shereceived a reprimand and a suspended fine of 1,000 pounds after accepting a charge related to a 2012 social media post, according to England's Cricket Regulator. The postfeatured Knight in blackface at a fancy dress party held at a cricket club in Kent. The image recently reemerged on social media and created a stir as itwas considered offensive and a violation of the ECB's directive 3.3, which covers "acts or omissions prejudicial to the interests of cricket or likely to bring cricket or cricketers into disrepute."

Despite the breach, the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) explained that Heather's actions were without "racist or discriminatory intent."

A statement from the CDC read, "The independent Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) has issued its sanctions decision in relation to Heather Knight after she was charged over a non-recent photograph which appeared on social media."

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"Ms Knight admitted a breach of ECB Directive 3.3 which stated at the time of the offence in 2012*: “No such person may conduct himself in a manner or do any act or omission which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the game of cricket or any Cricketer or group of Cricketers into disrepute."

'It was wrong, and I have long regretted it'

Heather also reacted to the suspension and said in a media release, "I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012. It was wrong, and I have long regretted it. Back then, I simply was not as educated as to the implications and consequences of my actions as I have become since. There was no ill-intent meant. Whilst I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game ensuring underrepresented groups are afforded the same opportunities and fulfilment within the game as I have." During that time, Heather was only 21 and, hence, sheacknowledgedher naivety.

Heather is gearing up to lead England in the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, which will be held in the UAE. The mega event kicks off on Oct 3 with England placed in Group B also comprising West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh and Scotland. In the last edition, Heather-led England reached the semifinals but failed to get past eventual runners-up South Africa, who, in turn,lost the final to Australia.