Omar Henry set to take over as Cricket Scotland president

Omar Henry, the former South Africa cricketer and convener of selectors, is expected to be ratified as president of Cricket Scotland by the organisation's member clubs on July 30. Henry, who played for Scotland between 1989 and 1992, has accepted a two-year term with the option of extending to a third year in what will be an ambassadorial role to further the aims of Scottish cricket, particularly in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion.

"I am honoured to have been nominated as President-Elect of Cricket Scotland," Henry said in a statement. "It is a privilege to serve the Scottish cricketing community, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me. I look forward to supporting the continued growth and progress of the game across the country.

"During my term, I aim to champion the development of cricket at all levels -- from local clubs to the national stage -- and to help foster a game that is inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking. Engaging directly with clubs, volunteers, and communities will be at the heart of this effort.

"I am particularly encouraged by Cricket Scotland's new four-year strategy, Uniting People and Communities through Cricket. Its focus on inspiring women and girls, promoting equality, achieving sustainable success, and strengthening Cricket Scotland as a governing body reflects a bold and necessary vision for the future. I am committed to supporting its implementation, especially in helping to build a more inclusive and accessible game for all -- one where diversity, equality and inclusion are embedded at every level.

"To all clubs and members of our cricketing community, thank you for your continued dedication. I look forward to working with you in the months ahead to help bring this shared vision to life and shape a positive future for cricket in Scotland."

Henry, who was South Africa's first player of colour post-readmission, moved to Scotland in his early 20s to play club cricket and seek opportunities that were not available to him at home. As a non-white player, Henry could not represent South Africa during the Apartheid era. He built a successful career in Scotland. He played 62 games for Scotland, captained them 14 times, and was named in their Hall of Fame in 2018. When South Africa's sporting sanctions ended post-Apartheid, Henry made his debut for the national team at 40, and played three Tests and three ODIs in 1992 and 1993.

He has since gone into administration and worked as the CEO of Boland Cricket and then on South Africa's national selection panel. In 2021, he gave emotional testimony at the Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) Hearings about feeling excluded from his own community when he played for a white club in the 1970s, and then again at the 1992 World Cup. His experiences of dealing with racism and speaking out about it have also led to his championing the case for inclusion and his passion for working in development. Henry will spend the next two summers (2025 and 2026) in Scotland and will also occasionally travel with the national teams abroad.