MCC and ECB along with all 18 First-Class Counties, the eight Women's Regional teams and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the football community in taking part in a social media boycott from 15:00 BST on Friday 30 April to 23:59 BST on Monday 3 May.

In taking part in this boycott, MCC wants to show solidarity with this ECB initiative and amplify the message that nobody should have to suffer abuse, racism or harassment on social media because they play, or are involved in professional sport.

"As a sport, we are united in our commitment to fight racism"

Guy Lavender, MCC Chief Executive & Secretary said: “Cricket, and indeed sport, is a wonderful vehicle for social interaction both on and off the pitch, but there is no excuse for the types of online abuse that unfortunately have become familiar across the sporting landscape.

"We are pleased to show our support for this social media boycott and hope the initiative will go a long way to enacting real change across all platforms.”

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “As a sport, we are united in our commitment to fight racism and we will not tolerate the kind of discriminatory abuse that has become so prevalent on social media platforms.

“We’re proud to add our voice to all those across sport who are sending the message that more can, and must, be done to eradicate online hate.

“Social media can play a very positive role in sport, widening its audience and connecting fans with their heroes in a way that was never possible before. However, players and supporters alike must be able to use these platforms safe in the knowledge they do not risk the prospect of facing appalling abuse.”

Rob Lynch, PCA Chief Executive, said: “The PCA is fully supportive of the social media boycott as cricket stands together with football and other sports in a show of solidarity against online abuse."