Azeem Rafiq’s Racism Case Saw Yorkshire Being Suspended From Hosting International Matches

Nov 7, 2021 at 4:32 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Azeem Rafiq’s Racism Case Saw Yorkshire Being Suspended From Hosting International Matches

Azeem Rafiq, a player of Pakistani descent and a former captain of the England Under-19s, said he was made to feel like an outsider at Yorkshire last year and contemplated taking his own life. His Yorkshire teammate Gary Ballance, who played 23 Tests for England so far, released a detailed statement, admitting his usage of some offensive and derogatory terms on Pakistan origin cricketer Azeem Rafiq when playing alongside him.

As a result of which, Yorkshire County Cricket Club has been suspended from hosting international or major matches over their handling of allegations of racism by former player Azeem Rafiq, as the ECB said on Thursday.

Gary Ballance, Azeem Rafiq-- Getty Images
Gary Ballance, Azeem Rafiq– Getty Images

Azeem Rafiq’s Racism Case Saw Yorkshire Being Banned From Competing In International Matches

Azeem Rafiq had earlier launched some serious allegations against Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said that he believes that his former club was orthodox towards views upon racism and not prepared to admit the fact or have the willingness to change their views.

“It is clear … that YCCC’s handling of the issues raised by Azeem Rafiq is wholly unacceptable and is causing serious damage to the reputation of the game,” the ECB said in a statement.

“The ECB find this matter abhorrent and against the spirit of cricket and its values.”

On Wednesday, Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance said that he had used racist language towards his former teammate Azeem Rafiq has also been indefinitely suspended from England selection.

“Before any regulatory investigation is complete, the Board wishes to take immediate action in relation to Gary Ballance,” the ECB said.

“While Mr Ballance has not been selected to play for England since 2017, he will be suspended indefinitely from selection.”

Gary Ballance played 23 Tests. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Gary Ballance played 23 Tests. Photo Credit: Getty Images

This position to suspend matches will be reviewed following the ECB regulatory investigation into his conduct.

The ECB said it would hold Yorkshire to account over their handling of the matter and consider sanctions including but not limited to financial and future match allocations at the end of its investigation.”

“In the meantime, YCCC is suspended from hosting international or major matches until it has clearly demonstrated that it can meet the standards expected of an international venue, ECB member, and First Class County,” the ECB said. 

For comment, Reuters has contacted the club, whose Headingley stadium is used regularly for England’s test and limited-overs matches. Several sponsors have ended their partnerships with Yorkshire following an independent report into allegations of racism made by Azeem Rafiq, with Nike saying on Thursday that it has cancelled a four-year deal that was signed in March.

“Nike will no longer be the kit supplier for Yorkshire CCC. We stand firmly against racism and discrimination of any kind,” Nike said in a statement reported by British media.

Emerald Group Publishing, Yorkshire Tea, and Tetley Bitter, among other sponsors, have also said they will end their relationships with the club.

Yorkshire said last month that they would not take action against employees, players, or executives following the report, which found Azeem Rafiq had been a victim of racial harassment and bullying in his first spell at the county from 2008-14.

The 30-year-old Azeem Rafiq and senior Yorkshire executives have been called to give evidence before a parliamentary Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) panel on Nov. 16. DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight said in a statement on Thursday that the punishment meted out by the ECB was overdue.

”The ECB’s action in taking international cricket away from Yorkshire should act as a short, sharp shock to bring the club to its senses.”Like the rest of us, I imagine the members of Yorkshire County Cricket Club will be questioning why the board is still in place.”

Former Yorkshire and England captain Michael Vaughan has revealed that he was named in the YCCC report but “totally denies any allegation of racism”.

Michael Vaughan Denies Allegations Against Him

Michael Vaughan said he was alleged to have told Azeem Rafiq and two other Asian players as they walked onto the field together that there were “too many of you lot, we need to do something about it”. He, however, denies making a comment.

“It is clear that Azeem has endured a lot,” Vaughan wrote in a column.

Michael Vaughan (Image Credit: Twitter)
Michael Vaughan (Image Credit: Twitter)

“It is not only right but essential that his experiences and his perspective are heard. There are unquestionably lessons to be learned.Yorkshire have dealt with this terribly. It is a good cricket club and …

“I hope I can be part of the movement to rebrand the club and people will eventually look back on this time and say it changed for the better.”

Gary Ballance called the Karachi-born cricketer his “best mate” in cricket and said he never intended to malign or agitate Azeem Rafiq by reducing him to tears.

Related Article
Azeem Rafiq Apologises For Anti-Semitic Language
Azeem Rafiq Apologises For Anti-Semitic Language

Nov 19, 2021, 6:39 PM


Moeen Ali Isn’t Surprised At Recent Racism Case And Believes More Stories Will Emerge
Moeen Ali Isn’t Surprised At Recent Racism Case And Believes More Stories Will Emerge

Nov 9, 2021, 4:13 PM


Azeem Rafiq’s Racism Case Saw Yorkshire Being Suspended From Hosting International Matches
Azeem Rafiq’s Racism Case Saw Yorkshire Being Suspended From Hosting International Matches

Nov 7, 2021, 4:28 PM


Gary Ballance Admits To Using Racial Slur Against Yorkshire’s Azeem Rafiq
Gary Ballance Admits To Using Racial Slur Against Yorkshire’s Azeem Rafiq

Nov 4, 2021, 3:43 PM


It Was No Dream To Represent South Africa After Being Targeted Racially: Ashwell Prince
It Was No Dream To Represent South Africa After Being Targeted Racially: Ashwell Prince

Aug 7, 2021, 2:14 PM


Usman Khawaja Revealed Facing Racism During Early Days As A Cricketer
Usman Khawaja Revealed Facing Racism During Early Days As A Cricketer

Jun 4, 2021, 6:06 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner