Boris Johnson calls for urgent action to tackle racism in cricket
It's after former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq gave an emotional testimony to MPs, amid allegations of racism at the county club
Boris Johnson has called on cricket authorities to take "immediate action" in response to the evidence of former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq of racism in the club.
The Prime Minister praised Mr. Rafiq's courage in speaking out after he delivered an emotional testimony to a panel of MPs yesterday.
He tweeted: 'Brave testimony from Azeem Rafiq. I comment him for speaking out'.
'There is no excuse for racism anywhere in society and we expect England Cricket and Yorkshire County Cricket Club to take immediate action in response to these allegations.'
MPs across the political spectrum reacted with horror and anger at whistleblower Mr Rafiq's harrowing testimony of the "inhuman" treatment he suffered during his time at the club.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also tweeted his support, saying 'Azeem Rafiq has shown immense bravery in speaking out today.'
'We have to root out racism from sport and our society.'
Yorkshire boss says allegations must lead to change
Yorkshire County Cricket Club's new chair has stressed Azeem Rafiq speaking out must "provoke real change" in cricket.
Lord Kamlesh Patel gave evidence to the DCMS committee after Rafiq's testimony, and said: "The emotion of Azeem Rafiq's compelling testimony at the select committee today was plain to see, and his experiences are harrowing and upsetting.
"Azeem's courage in speaking up should be praised, and nobody should underestimate how difficult it would have been to relive all of this in public. His wish to bring a 'voice to the voiceless' should be an inspiration to provoke real change in the sport.
"I repeat our apology to Azeem for what he has gone through, it should never have happened and that is something that the club has to recognise. There is no quick fix to the clear problems which have been identified, and the issues are complex, not least the charge of institutional racism which must be addressed head on."
Cricket board will examine racism in cricket
The England and Wales Cricket Board has appointed an independent commission for equity in cricket in response to Rafiq's allegations.
Cindy Butts has been charged with examining the issue of race in the game, and it's call for evidence is now open.
But yesterday, Rafiq said: "Action is needed and needed now. To be honest, we are sick and tired of these equity commissions and inquiries."
He added: "Do I believe I lost my career to racism? Yes I do. I hope in five years' time we are going to see a big change, that I did something far bigger than any runs or any wickets I got."