Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq said on Thursday that the problem of institutional racism lies in the heart of the problem with the district English club, not “certain individual words.” Rafiq’s statement on Twitter came a day after Batsman Yorkshire Gary Trantance said he regretted using racist language towards his previous teammate.
Some sponsors have ended their partnership with Yorkshire after an independent report to the allegations of racism made by Rafiq.
Yorkshire said last month that they would not take action against employees, players or executives after the report, who found Rafiq had been a victim of racial and intimidation abuse in his first spell in the district from 2008-14.
Rafiq and senior Yorkshire executives have been called to provide evidence before parliamentary panels, culture, media and sports (DCMS) on November 16.
“I don’t mean to say a lot until certain committees hear the end of this month.
However, I want to emphasize this not about certain individual words,” Rafiq said on Twitter.
“It’s about institutional racism and despicable failure to act by various leaders in the Yorkshire County Cricket Club and in a wider match.
The sports that I love and my club really need change and cultural change.” Rafiq, a Pakistani descendant player and former England captain under 19-19, said last year he was made to feel like outsiders in Yorkshire and reflect on his own life.
Reply, who played 23 tests for the UK, has described Rafiq as “the best partner in cricket” in a statement on Wednesday and said that on the field they were “very supportive”.
“It has been reported that I used racial Cada and, because I told an independent investigation, I received that I did it and I regret it,” added the balloon.
“Obviously – I really regret some languages that I use in my youth.”
Rafiq reaffirms the ‘institutional racism’ charge after receiving awards
