Yorkshire and 'number of individuals' charged by ECB in relation to Rafiq racism case

By Sports Desk June 15, 2022

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has charged Yorkshire County Cricket Club and a "number of individuals" in relation to the racism case involving former player Azeem Rafiq.

Rafiq suffered racial harassment and bullying while at Yorkshire, which was eventually brought to light and taken in front of a parliamentary select committee in November.

The former off-spinner also accused Yorkshire and English cricket of being institutionally racist, with several high-profile figures at the county either resigning or being dismissed over the handling of the allegations.

Kamlesh Patel replaced previous chairman Roger Hutton, former England bowler Darren Gough was named director of cricket after the dismissal of Martyn Moxon, and Ottis Gibson was appointed head coach in January as the replacement for the sacked Andrew Gale.

The ECB began an investigation into the allegations and provided an update on Wednesday, saying the club and individuals had been charged.

"Yorkshire County Cricket Club and a number of individuals have today been charged following an ECB investigation into racism and other allegations at the club and its handling of those allegations," the statement read.

"The charges arise from alleged breaches of ECB Directive 3.3 (conduct which is improper or which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the ECB, the game of cricket or any cricketer into disrepute) and the ECB Anti-Discrimination Code. 

"An independent panel of the Cricket Discipline Commission will hear the cases in due course.

"The ECB's investigation has been thorough and complex, with the allegations covering a significant period of time and a number of witnesses and other individuals coming forward to share their own experiences and allegations. The ECB is grateful to all those who have taken the time to speak with the investigating team.

"In matters of this nature, our normal practice is not to identify individuals charged at this stage. This decision is taken on a case-by-case basis. It is, however, standard practice for the CDC disciplinary panel to publish its decisions and written reasons in full following the hearing.

"There will be no further comment until the hearing has taken place and the decisions published. We currently expect the hearing to take place in September or October 2022."

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