This article contains comments some readers may find upsetting.
After an initial interview to Wisden on 2nd September 2020 and later in a story published by ESPN Cricinfo, Azeem Rafiq, a former Yorkshire cricket player, claimed ‘’institutional racism’’ at his previous club. He told the cricket site he ‘’lost faith in humanity’’ after racist behaviour towards him was ignored by the club. Azeem Rafiq has also claimed his experiences playing for the club left him on the brink of suicide.
Rafiq, who has also captained England U19 cricket team and Yorkshire, where he was the youngest man to do so in 2012 previously, said ‘’institutional racism’’ at the club is ‘’worse than it’s ever been’’. Rafiq said, ‘’I know how close I was to committing suicide during my time at Yorkshire, I was living my family’s dream as a professional cricketer, but inside I was dying. I was dreading going to work. I was in pain every day.’’
“There were times I did things to try and fit in, that, as a Muslim, I now look back on and regret… But as soon as I stopped trying to fit in, I was an outsider… Do I think there is institutional racism? It is at its peak in my opinion. It’s worse than it’s ever been.”
“My only motivation now is to prevent anyone else feeling the same pain.”
Following the severe allegations and claims of ‘’institutional racism’’ by Azeem Rafiq, on 3rd September 2020, Yorkshire said they have launched a ‘’formal investigation’’ into the claims made by their ex-player who left in 2018.
A few days later, on 5th September 2020, Yorkshire announced that they have asked an independent law firm to investigate the claims. They have asked global firm Squire Patton Boggs to lead the investigation. YCCC Chairman, Roger Hutton said they would be carrying out a “wider review” of their “policies and culture”, as well as investigating Rafiq’s allegations.
On 16th August 2021, Yorkshire received the findings of the independent investigation. Yorkshire said they will release a statement ‘’in next couple of days’’. Rafiq had given the evidence to the investigation panel in November 2020 but due to several delays the report was finally given to Yorkshire in August 2021.
After making several requests to receive a copy of the report, Azeem Rafiq was denied. Although, on 10th September 2021 Yorkshire admitted Rafiq suffered from ‘’racial harassment’’ while at the club – but refuse to release the report. Yorkshire said they are unable to publish the report into Azeem Rafiq’s allegations due to issues ‘’in relation to privacy law and defamation’’. Yorkshire distributed a summary of the report and its recommendations that contained in total, seven allegations of racial harassment and bullying of Rafiq that were upheld by the investigation.
YCCC had issued an apology to Rafiq on August 19th 2021 after receiving the report from the independent law firm. YCCC confirmed investigation upheld several of Rafiq’s allegations which led to racism probe. In a statement, the club acknowledged that the investigation had upheld many of Rafiq’s allegations without going into the details of those. YCCC said Rafiq had been ‘’the victim of inappropriate behaviour’’ for which they apologised.
“It is right, however, to acknowledge from the outset that several of the allegations made by Azeem were upheld and that sadly, historically, Azeem was the victim of inappropriate behaviour. This is clearly unacceptable. We would like to express our profound apologies for this.”
Adding further to his statement on 10th September 2021, Roger Hutton, the club’s chairman, admitted that there is “no question that Azeem Rafiq, during his first spell as a player at YCCC, was the victim of racial harassment”. However, while apologising to Rafiq once again, Hutton also said that the panel had determined there was “insufficient evidence” to support the claim that Yorkshire were “institutionally racist” as a club.
Giving their reaction to the statement by YCCC, a spokesperson for Rafiq criticised YCCC’s “atrocious” handling of the investigation and said failure to hand over a copy of the report was “an abuse of process”.
“What is clear is that Yorkshire County Cricket Club admits racism and bullying has taken place on many occasions, yet won’t accept the obvious – that this is an institutional problem.
Ian Watmore, the ECB chair, said: “the independent panel has upheld a number of allegations and concluded that historically Azeem Rafiq was the victim of racial harassment and of bullying… It is clear that the game owes him an apology… There is simply no place for racism in cricket, and what Azeem experienced was unacceptable.”
What made the crises worst for YCCC is the fact that they announced on 28th October 2021 that they have concluded their internal investigation and will not take disciplinary action against any player, employee or executive even though the independent investigation report had upheld Azeem Rafiq’s allegation and that he had been a victim of ‘’racial harassment and bullying’’ at the club.
One of the players, Gary Ballance, came out in the last couple of days to identify himself as someone who used racial slurs towards Azeem Rafiq.
YCCC’s racism report ruled that Azeem Rafiq being called a ‘P**i’ was ‘banter’ and this was widely criticised from politicians to ex-players. Sajid Javed, MP and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, took to twitter saying “’Paki” is not Banter.” And asked the ECB to act.
Following the widespread criticism, the ECB has announced to suspend YCCC from hosting any international cricket. In a statement, the ECB said that club would be stripped of its major-match status until such time as it has ‘’clearly demonstrated that it can meet the standards expected of an international venue, ECB member and first-class county.’’
After the ECB’s statement and criticism of the YCCC in general, Nike and YCCC’s primary sponsor Emerald Publishing and Yorkshire Tea have also ended deals with the club.
It is high time that the YCCC understood how grave this issue was and their handling of it has damaged the cause of eradicating racism from the sports; specially, after the ECB’s and Football Association’s courageous and laudable decision to take the knee to show solidarity against all sort of racism and hate towards ethnic minorities and people of colour.
This undoubtedly has opened floodgates. Another former Yorkshire player has come out alleging he faced racism during his time. In a sense, this is what defines institutional and historical racism. More might be lurking around. This could have easily been avoided if Yorkshire took Azeem Rafiq seriously and dealt with his complaint.
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