The ECB’s decision came a day after Yorkshire player Gary Balance used racial slurs against his former teammate Rafiq.
The England Cricket Board has banned Yorkshire County from hosting international matches for failing to act on former player Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of racial abuse, which were proved to be true in an independent investigation, calling the club’s approach “disgusting”. ” said.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) took the decision a day after Yorkshire player Gary Ballance used racial slurs against his former teammate Rafiq.
The ECB said in a statement after its board meeting, “… the YCCC is suspended from hosting international or major matches, unless it is clearly demonstrated that this international venue, an ECB member and may meet the standards expected of First Class County.”
Club Ground Headingley is set to host the third Test against New Zealand in June next year, as well as an ODI against South Africa and knockout fixtures in the Hundred as the host venue for the Northern Superchargers. He was also to host the Ashes Test in 2023. All these games are now in danger.
“It is clear to the Board that the YCCC’s handling of the issues raised by Azeem Rafiq is completely unacceptable and is causing serious damage to the reputation of the game. The ECB finds the matter abhorrent and against the spirit of cricket and its values. Is.”
“There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in cricket and where it is found, prompt action should be taken. The matter must be dealt with firmly if the sport is to truly be a sport for all. to demonstrate our commitment to it.” The ECB banned Balance indefinitely from England’s selection. Balance has admitted his guilt of being responsible for some of the offensive and humiliating conditions that Rafiq revealed he was subjected to while playing for the county in northern England.
“Before any regulatory investigation is complete, the Board wishes to take immediate action regarding Gary Ballance. While Balance has not been selected to play for England since 2017, he will be suspended indefinitely from selection This position will be reviewed after the ECB. There is a regulatory inquiry into their conduct.” The ECB Board asked the ECB executive to review the governance of the Yorkshire CCC to consider whether the current arrangement is fit for purpose.
The cricket club recently concluded that no staff would face any action over Rafiq’s claims of institutional racism, which caused major sponsors to drop the deal this week to handle the matter.
“The ECB will therefore hold the YCCC accountable with respect to its handling of the matter. Sanctions, including financial and future major match allocations, may be considered at the conclusion of our investigation.
The cricket body said, “Given the recent events, it is clear that there are serious questions regarding the operation and management of the YCCC. The club’s failure to act and respond to its report constitutes a significant breach of its obligations to the sport.” represents.”
Former England Under-19 captain Azim Rafiq said in interviews last year that during his time in Yorkshire from 2008–18 he was made to feel like an “outsider” as a Muslim and was close to taking his own life. .
Rafiq made 43 allegations in relation to his time in Yorkshire, seven of which were upheld by an independent panel, which said there was “no question” that he had been subjected to racial harassment and bullying.
The name Balance was amended in a summary of the independent report into Rafiq’s widespread claims of institutional racism.
Yorkshire president Roger Hutton has been called to appear before the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee to provide evidence on the matter, as well as Rafiq has been invited to the session, which will take place on 16 November. is going to happen.
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