Roland Butcher is speaking up and the game should listen. Forty five years after he first played for England, he says racism still lingers in cricket and across British life. He is touring England to promote his autobiography Breaking Barriers Barbados to England and Back and to push the sport toward lasting change.
England Legend Calls for Ongoing Anti Racism Work in Cricket
Butcher says ending discrimination is not a quick job. Progress takes constant pressure. He compared change to slow chipping at stone. Meteorites finish things fast he joked but people must grind.
“It is a never ending process. You have to keep chipping away,” Butcher said.
He noted that racism in England has been challenged since at least the 1950s yet the conversation remains urgent in 2025. That fact shows how deep the problem runs. He wants players officials and supporters to share the load.
First Black England Cricketer Reflects on His Path
Butcher was the first Black player to represent England at the senior level. He played three Tests and three One Day Internationals. His debut opened the England doorway for Black and Caribbean talent that followed.
His national call up did not erase racism. It did show what was possible. He says he is still proud that his career helped others push through.
“I am proud that it opened the doors for many,” he said.
Middlesex Years and Casual Racism on the Circuit
Butcher played county cricket for Middlesex from 1974 through 1990. He remembers success on the field and comments from the stands. At times Middlesex fielded five Black players at once. Opposition fans noticed.
He recalls walking past a crowd at Kent after tea when someone said Look they have got five of them. The team had been playing all day.
“How perceptive,” Butcher recalled thinking.
He says he was thick skinned but stresses that many Black players had harder experiences arou
