Yorkshire say former participant Azim Rafiq was subjected to racial harassment

Former England Under-19 captain Azim Rafiq stated in interviews final 12 months that in his time in Yorkshire from 2008–18 he was made to really feel like an “outsider” as a Muslim and was near taking his personal life. .

Rafiq was Yorkshire’s youngest ever captain when he led the group in a Twenty20 match in 2012. Rafiq’s claims have been formally investigated by Yorkshire and a abstract of the findings and suggestions of an unbiased panel was lastly printed on Friday.

Yorkshire stated Rafiq made greater than 40 allegations, seven of which have been upheld within the report.

“There is no doubt that Azim Rafiq was the victim of racial harassment during his first stint as a player at the YCCC,” Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton stated.

“He later additionally turned a sufferer of bullying. On behalf of everybody at YCCC, I lengthen my honest, deep and unreserved apologies to Azeem and his household.”

The report discovered that Rafiq, who had his first spell in Yorkshire from 2008–14, was not served halal meals in matches, which has now been rectified.

It discovered that earlier than 2010 there have been three cases of racist language getting used, which amounted to harassment primarily based on race.

In 2012, a former coach frequently used racist language, the report stated.

The report discovered that in Rafiq’s second time period, from 2016-18, jokes have been made round faith, making individuals really feel uncomfortable.

Also in that time-frame, references have been made to Rafiq’s weight and health which was tantamount to bullying. The report additionally acknowledged that there was a failure by the membership to comply with up on the allegations made by Rafiq in August 2018.

The remaining allegation to be upheld was that on a number of events previous to 2018, the membership might have completed extra to make Muslims really feel extra welcome of their stadiums and may have dealt higher with complaints of racism and anti-social habits in these stadiums.

The report discovered, nonetheless, that there was inadequate proof to conclude that the membership was institutionally racist.

It was additionally discovered that each one selections regarding Rafiq’s choice and eventual launch from the membership have been primarily based solely on cricketing causes.

“I imagine that receiving the report by your complete membership in a accountable method, with a transparent and collective dedication to enthusiastically settle for its suggestions, is a crucial a part of our journey to develop into extra thoughtful, extra inclusive and guarantee The second is there. Every side of the membership completely lives as much as the spirit of the nice sport of cricket,” stated Hutton.