Yorkshire chair says group is trying to “derail” reform at the club

Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s chairman, Lord Patel, has hit out at what he describes as a group “actively seeking to delay and derail” reform at the club, as it works to recover from its racism scandal.

His comments come after it emerged the troubled club’s former leadership had not filed amended club rules with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Former chairman Robin Smith, told the media this omission meant Patel’s appointment in November was “invalid”.

But Patel responded that certain individuals have an agenda which is, “driven by opposition to our progress and a desire to maintain an outdated status quo”.

“It is disheartening and pernicious in equal manner,” he added. “This group is actively seeking to delay and derail the essential reforms and consequently the return of international cricket by litigating process issues, without presenting any positive alternative.”

Lord Kamlesh Patel, chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club

In September 2021, a report by the club concluded former player Azeem Rafiq, who played for Yorkshire between 2008 and 2018, had suffered “racial harassment and bullying”.

Rafiq revealed “institutional racism” he experienced while at the club left him close to taking his own life.

Head coach Andrew Gale and director of cricket Martyn Moxon have been among 16 people to leave Yorkshire amid the scandal, with Gale replaced by former West Indies all-rounder Ottis Gibson in January this year.

In response to Patel’s statement, Smith said: “Lord Patel’s comments seek to damage me for drawing attention to his own failures.

“The members will in due course have an opportunity to pass judgement on Lord Patel’s actions since November last year and their enormous financial consequences for the club (currently rumoured to be more than £3m).

“In the meantime he should focus on getting the club’s legal position corrected in timely fashion.”