Former England batsman Gary Ballance has issued an apology to Azeem Rafiq for using racist language against him during their time at Yorkshire together.
The top-order left-hander, who has played 23 Tests for the national team and was a member of their 2015 Cricket World Cup squad, admitted he had used a racial slur in reference to Rafiq in late 2021.
Ballance has previously expressed regret over his language, which were revealed follow Rafiq's 2020 reveal that discrimination at the club left him feeling suicidal.
Now, he has met with his ex-team-mate to tell him he is sorry in person, with the pair issuing a joint statement on their meeting.
"I have wanted to meet Azeem in person for quite some time, but I had to make sure I was in a good place when I did so," Ballance said.
"Azeem has been through similar mental health challenges and understands why this has taken me a little time.
"I apologise unreservedly to Azeem for the words I used when we played together. I did use unacceptable - at times, racist - language. If I had realised how much this hurt Azeem, I would have stopped immediately.
"That's why I wanted to meet him this week and be clear in person that I intended no malice. That's not an excuse, I realise that the language I used was wrong.
"I have accepted, from the outset, the words I used were wrong and I hope this statement brings Azeem some comfort.
"There is no place in our sport for this behaviour and I am determined to play my part in ridding the game from racism and make it more inclusive. To do this we all need to be honest and learn from our past mistakes."
Rafiq meanwhile has called for Ballance - currently suspended by the ECB from selection and only recently returned to the Yorkshire fold - to be allowed to continue his career, calling his apology "brave".
"From day one of opening up about my experiences, all I ever wanted was acceptance and apologies for what happened," he added.
"Gary has been brave to admit the truth and I understand why the mental strain has made it difficult for him to make this apology any sooner.
"Gary must be applauded for his honesty and unreserved apology and must now be allowed to get on with his life.
"Gary got things wrong, so did many people. The main issue is cricket's institutional racism. Gary's courage means he is now part of the solution. I hope he can be allowed to get on with his cricket.
"I would like to thank Gary. He has done cricket and the fight against racism a great service with these words. I would also like to thank those who have been in contact with me privately to apologise for what they witnessed.
"It's a good time for those who were bystanders to reflect on whether they could have done the same or even spoken publicly about what they saw."