Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq has made a number of allegations of racism relating to his time at the county; Yorkshire batter Gary Ballance admitted this week he used a racial slur towards Rafiq; Ballance has been indefinitely suspended from England selection
Last Updated: 04/11/21 6:30pm
Yorkshire have been suspended from hosting international or major matches by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over their “wholly unacceptable” handling of Azeem Rafiq’s racism claims.
Gary Ballance has also been indefinitely suspended from England selection by the ECB after admitting he used a racial slur towards Rafiq during their time together at the county.
The decision was made by the ECB board following a meeting on Thursday.
Rafiq made 43 allegations relating to his time at Yorkshire, of which seven were upheld by an independent panel, which added there was “no question” he was subjected to racial harassment and bullying.
Yorkshire accepted the findings of the panel and apologised to Rafiq. However, they announced last month that, following an internal investigation, no employees, players or executives would face disciplinary action.
The handling of the county’s investigation into Rafiq’s claims has been heavily criticised within the sport and by politicians, with a host of sponsors ending their partnerships with the club this week.
Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton has been called to appear before the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s select committee to give evidence on the matter, with Rafiq also invited to the session, which is set to be held on November 16.
Julian Knight MP, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee, has called for the removal of the entire county board and said “this is one of the most repellent and disturbing episodes in modern cricket history”.
Following its meeting on Thursday, the ECB said: “It is clear to the board 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 find this matter abhorrent and against the spirit of cricket and its values. There is no place for racism or any form of discrimination in cricket and where it is found, swift action must be taken.
“This matter must be dealt with robustly if the sport is to demonstrate its commitment to truly being a game for everyone.”
More to follow…
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