Yorkshire Cricket racism allegations: What's the latest?
The historic club has been accused of being institutionally racist by a former player
Cricketer Azeem Rafiq's expected to appear in front of MPs today after a report found he was a victim of "racial harassment and bullying" at Yorkshire Cricket Club.
He was a Yorkshire player for over two spells between 2008 and 2018 and first made allegations of institutional racism at the county over a year ago.
Today he'll give evidence to a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing.
Here's everything you need to know about the story so far:
Who is Azeem Rafiq and what allegations has he made against Yorkshire?
Azeem Rafiq, a former White Rose player over two spells between 2008 and 2018, first made allegations of institutional racism at the county over a year ago and an independent report commissioned by Yorkshire upheld that he had been a victim of "racial harassment and bullying".
What was Yorkshire's initial response?
On the 28th October, Yorkshire announced they'd take no disciplinary action against any of its employees, players or executives following an independent report into the allegations made.
Yorkshire released a summarised version of their report on September 10, apologising and accepting Rafiq had been a victim of "racial harassment and bullying".
Rafiq accused Yorkshire of protecting their members of staff, writing on Twitter:
"Wow just when you think this club couldn't get more embarrassing you find a way.
"Still awaiting the FULL report.
"Thanks for mentioning the people that have provided your PROTECTION & given green light to RACISM."
The England and Wales Cricket Board issued its own statement confirming it had received a copy of the independent report from Yorkshire.
"The ECB has this afternoon received a copy of the report carried out on behalf of Yorkshire CCC into the allegations made by Azeem Rafiq, together with assurances from the club to co-operate fully with the ongoing regulatory process.
"This is a matter with many serious allegations at its heart and the ECB's regulatory team will now consider the report as part of its investigation.
We anticipate that it will take time for the regulatory process to reach its conclusion, but it is imperative that this is completed thoroughly and with fairness to all involved."
A timeline of developments:
On the 2nd November, the DCMS committee confirmed to the PA news agency that it will be holding an evidence session, while Health Secretary Sajid Javid said "heads should roll" at Yorkshire.
Javid said on Twitter: "P**" is not banter. Heads should roll at Yorkshire CCC. If @ECB_cricket doesn't take action it's not fit for purpose."
At the time, Yorkshire officials refrained from publishing their full report into the allegations made by Rafiq in 2020, citing legal reasons.
On the same day, a group of cross-party MPs signed a joint letter to the England and Wales cricket board.
The letter, headed by South Yorkshire Mayor and Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis, said:
"We are writing following the recent reports of the flawed investigation by Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) into serious allegations of racism made by Azeem Rafiq.
"We find any suggestion that using the word "Paki" is "banter" truly abhorrent, but for the formal investigation to make such a conclusion brings the report and the club into disrepute. As such the report further erodes confident in YCCC's commitment to being inclusive to all our communities.
"We therefore request that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) establish an immediate, comprehensive and independent inquiring into YCCC's handling of the original allegations and the subsequent investigation. We maintain the inquiry must be conducted in a timely and transparent manner, with consequences for both the players responsible, and those board members who have failed to address this blatant racism.
"Cricket is an institution in Yorkshire. No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone should be able to enjoy our beloved game. Azeem Rafiq was not afforded the dignity and respect he deserved, it now falls to the ECB to ensure this degrading incident is not repeated."
On the 3rd November, former England batter Gary Ballance admitted using "a racial slur" against former Yorkshire team-mate Azeem Rafiq.
Gary Ballance, who played 23 Tests and 16 one-day internationals between 2013-2017, released a long and emotional statement, during which he accepted he was responsible for some of the offensive and derogatory terms that Rafiq revealed he was subjected to during his time at Headingley.
On the 4th November, Yorkshire were suspended from hosting major and international games.
The ECB said:
"It is clear to the Board that YCCC’s handling of the issues raised by Azeem Rafiq is wholly unacceptable and is causing serious damage to the reputation of the game.
"The ECB find this matter abhorrent and against the spirit of cricket and its values.
"There is no place for racism or any form of discrimination in cricket and where it is found, swift action must be taken.
"This matter must be dealt with robustly if the sport is to demonstrate its commitment to truly being a game for everyone."
On the 5th November, Roger Hutton announced his resignation as chairman of Yorkshire.
Lord Kamlesh Patel was appointed the new chair.
Speaking at a press conference at Headingley, Lord Patel said:
"Azeem is a whistleblower and should be praised as such, he should never have been put through this.
"We're sorry for what you and your family have experienced and the way in which we've handled this.
"I thank Azeem for his bravery in speaking out. Let me be clear from the outset, racism or discrimination in any form is not banter."
On the 9th November, it emerged that Yorkshire County Cricket Club are investigating new racism allegations, made by a former academy player.
Irfan Amjad says he was racially abused by a member of staff when he was 16-years-old, over his batting style.
Since then more people have come forward.
On the same day, Yorkshire suspended first-team coach Andrew Gale "pending a disciplinary hearing following an historic tweet" while director of cricket Martyn Moxon was described as absent from work due to a "stress related illness".
A statement from the club read:
"We can confirm that Andrew Gale, Yorkshire first XI coach, is currently suspended pending a disciplinary hearing following an historic tweet."
An independent whistleblowing hotline was launched on the 15th November.
Today, 16th November, Azeem Rafiq's expected to appear in front of MPs, to give evidence.
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