Blain fought to clear his name, and spoke exclusively to The Herald after being told an investigation had found no evidence to support the claims.

Now, Blain has praised Cricket Scotland for having the bravery to reinstate him and thanked those who have stood by him.

In a statement, he said: “I am enormously grateful to the many, many people who have stood by me since I was falsely accused of racism.

“Representing my country 118 times was the greatest honour of my life, and the decision almost four years ago to remove me from the Scottish Cricket Hall of Fame was one of the biggest blows during a very challenging period for me and my family. Thankfully I was cleared after a lengthy process in which I provided extensive supportive evidence.

“The leadership and moral courage shown by the Hall of Fame Committee, chaired by Cricket Scotland President and cricket legend Omar Henry, and the unanimous decision of the Cricket Scotland Board to reinstate me, means more than I can express.

“The game of cricket gave me my livelihood and instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, teamwork and fair play. It’s also blessed me with countless friendships, amongst team-mates and opponents alike.

“Our sport has long been a force for good in Scotland, bringing together players from many different backgrounds. I have received unbelievable support from right across the game over recent years, from grassroots club players to scores of former and current internationals, including my great friend, Scottish cricket legend Mike Smith, who tragically passed away a few days ago. This decision is for them as much as for me.”

A spokesperson for Cricket Scotland said in a statement: “At a recent meeting of Cricket Scotland Council Limited (CSCL), the Board received a submission from the Hall of Fame Appointment Panel, a sub-committee of the Board. 

“The submission was led by the Panel Chair Omar Henry, the President of Cricket Scotland, and supported by Panel Member Sanjay Patel. Mr Henry and Mr Patel requested the lifting of the suspension of John Blain from the Cricket Scotland Hall of Fame.

“Following the submission, the Board approved the Hall of Fame Panel’s request. Mr Blain’s suspension will be lifted, subject to him completing Cricket Scotland-approved equality, diversity and inclusion training.”