Yorkshire secures future of international Test cricket
International Test cricket will return to Headingley after members of Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) passed three special resolutions at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Thursday evening in what was described as an “overwhelming vote for positive change” by the club’s chair.
EGM at Headingley
The decision comes after the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the sport’s governing body set a deadline of 31 March to decide if the club could regain its international status, which it lost in November, in time for the summer season.
The special resolutions come in the wake of a racism scandal which not only rocked the club but the whole of the sport, after former professional cricketer Azeem Rafiq alleged he was racially abused during his tenure.
The Club’s handling of situation was widely criticised and led to a mass exodus of sponsors.
According to a statement, the decision means “the Club can now continue to drive the right approach through essential governance reforms and meets conditions set by the England & Wales Cricket Board for the return of International and major matches at their ground.”
Lord Kamlesh Patel, chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club
Lord Kamlesh Patel, chair of YCCC, who took up the role in November and has been spearheading reforms said the outcome was welcome and thanked members “for their full and proper consideration, an open exchange of views, and their votes.”
He added: “It is an overwhelming vote for positive change.
“This support will help Yorkshire County Cricket Club to be an inclusive and welcoming place and gives us the clarity and certainty we need to keep building this great club.”
Azeem Rafiq tweeted: “Relieved to see Lord Patel’s reforms backed today and that Yorkshire members chose a bright, inclusive future for my club.
“Big opportunity to show the world what can be achieved when you have strong leadership and good people.”
The resolutions mean that now up to six non-executive directors can be appointed to the board in order to better reflect “the communities the club serves”.
The statement added that there will be two membership representatives on the board too and that all nominees will be presented for approval at the upcoming AGM.
The passing of the resolutions comes after Lord Patel said in February there was a group within the club trying to “derail” reforms.
It’s been a rocky period for YCCC with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the UK’s equality watchdog stating late last year that the actions described by Rafiq were likely “unlawful”.
Since last year and in the wake of the club’s mishandling there has been significant changes at the club with not only Lord Patel joining but former Yorkshire and England cricketer Darren Gough joining as director of cricket, and the exit of all coaching staff.
Lord Patel finished his statement: “We’re looking forward to the start of the season, for all our teams and for cricket at all levels right across this County.”
