Apology as Yorkshire County Cricket Club racism investigation confirms ‘inappropriate behaviour’

Almost 12 months after the allegations of “institutional racism” were made against Yorkshire County Cricket Club from former player Azeem Rafiq, it has completed its investigation and confirmed that the Rafiq was “the victim of inappropriate behaviour”.

In a statement released today the club said it would like to express its profound apologies to the player and noted that the behaviour experienced by Rafiq was “clearly unacceptable”.

The investigation which commended in November and was conducted by Squire Patton Boggs, alongside an independent panel appointed to oversee the integrity of the investigation, submitted its final report to the board of the club along with a set of recommendations at the weekend.

The report and independent panel noted that the club “failed to implement its policies and procedures in relation to these serious issues”.

The club confirmed it was committed to publishing “as much of the report and recommendations” over the coming weeks as possible but did note that this would be subject to any legal restraints.

The Yorkshire County Cricket Club chair, Roger Hutton, 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 YCCC.”

The statement also adds that the investigation took longer than had been hoped, Rafiq’s lawyer warned in February that Yorkshire County Cricket Club risked “legitimising racism” if its report was not published by the start of April.

The delay however was attributed to the Club’s commitment that “the investigation should be thorough, and so far as possible, not compromised by external factors”.

Rafiq however said he is “frustrated and pretty angry” at the club’s response. Speaking to the BBC Asian Network he said: “A year of pain, a year of trying to get people to listen, a year of giving people an opportunity to do the right thing and we end up with a statement that turns racism into inappropriate behaviour.”

He added that claims that his allegations are “historical things” is unfair noting that “yes there are things that are 10 years ago but predominantly most of my allegations relate to people that are still there in leadership positions”.

Rafiq concluded: “I’m sick and tired of giving these people, the game, Yorkshire Cricket Club, the ECB, everyone, an opportunity to the detriment of myself.

“The damage that this last 12 months has caused me… I don’t know when I will actually know that.”

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