Azeem Rafiq accuses Yorkshire of ‘fudging’ claim of racism after apology

News

Yorkshire have apologised to Azeem Rafiq after accepting he was the “victim of inappropriate behaviour” but the former off-spinner has accused the county of “fudging” his claim of institutional racism.

An independent investigation was commissioned by Yorkshire last September after Rafiq alleged he suffered racist abuse during his time at the club, where he had two spells between 2008 and 2018, which left him feeling suicidal.

The enquiry has been completed and a panel of experts – with experience within the fields of HR, sport, governance and employment law – returned a final report to the club last weekend together with a set of recommendations.

While Yorkshire stopped short of any admission of Rafiq’s central claim of racism, the club conceded on Thursday morning that “several of the allegations made by Azeem were upheld”.

The club said in a statement: “Sadly, historically, Azeem was the victim of inappropriate behaviour. This is clearly unacceptable. We would like to express our profound apologies for this.”

Reacting to Yorkshire’s announcement, Rafiq said on Twitter: “‘Inappropriate behaviour’ are you sure about that @YorkshireCCC?? You carry on playing with your words & fudging this best way possible. ITS NOT GOING AWAY!!”

Roger Hutton, appointed Yorkshire chair last year, issued a personal apology to Rafiq, a former England Under-19 captain who skippered the White Rose in a Twenty20 match in 2012, and hopes the report is a catalyst for change.

He said: “I would like to acknowledge Azeem’s courage in raising these issues, and his participation in the investigation, which I understand must have been very difficult. I would also like to express my sincere apology to him for certain failings by the club, which have been highlighted by the panel.

“He has very obviously experienced some difficult and distressing times during the time since 2008 and the club could, and should, have supported him better.

“Since I joined the board in 2020, it has become obvious to me that both prior to and since, it has continually tried to improve its relationship with diverse communities.

“It has however not progressed far enough, particularly as we learn to see the world from fresh eyes, and I consider that this report will be a platform for further important changes at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.”

Rafiq initially spoke out last August, referencing alleged specific instances of non-white players being called “p***s” and “elephant washers” as well as being told to “go back to where you came from”.

Yorkshire asked an independent law firm to probe Rafiq’s claims, with a number of witnesses including former players, coaching staff and management volunteering to be interviewed in an “extensive” investigation.

Rafiq, though, admitted his exasperation to the delays in the process – which Yorkshire had initially hoped would be completed last Christmas – telling ESPNcricinfo there should be England and Wales Cricket Board or political intervention.

ECB chair Ian Watmore on Wednesday asked for a copy of the investigation’s findings and a timeline for publication from Yorkshire, who aim to make a report believed to be in excess of 100 pages available “in the coming weeks”.

The club’s statement added: “The investigation has been in depth and far from easy. We acknowledge that it has been a distressing and difficult period for those involved. We are sorry that the process took longer than we had hoped.

“It is inevitable that there is much to digest and we shall have to take advice on the contents of the report.

Azeem Rafiq, second left, celebrates a wicket
Azeem Rafiq, second left, had two spells at Yorkshire (John Walton/PA)

“It is important to note that this is not a judicial process and everyone who participated did so voluntarily.

“We are mindful that in a process of this nature we have a duty of care to all who participated, and we must not breach that duty.

“We aim to publish as much of the report and recommendations as we are able, subject to any legal restraints on doing so, in the coming weeks.”

In a separate process in June, Yorkshire and Rafiq failed to resolve their dispute in an employment tribunal case.

Rafiq filed a legal claim under the Equality Act in December, alleging direct discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race, as well as victimisation and detriment as a result of his efforts to address racism at the club.

Latest