Club vows ‘seismic changes’ as cricket racism case settled
‘You did feel, “Why would we do this to any human being?” ’
YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club has vowed to make drastic changes after it settled its dispute with the former player at the heart of a racism scandal.
New club chairman Lord Kamlesh Patel apologised “unreservedly” to Azeem Rafiq. He also pledged “seismic changes”, including setting up a whistleblower’s hotline and commissioning an independent review into diversity.
However, the future of senior leaders at Yorkshire, including chief executive Mark Arthur and director of cricket Martyn Moxon, remains in the balance.
Lord Patel said he had spoken with Rafiq since his appointment as chairman on Friday. He admitted: “It was difficult and it was actually quite sad. It was tough for me, it was incredibly tough for him.
“You did feel, ‘Why would we do this to any human being?’ ”
On Saturday the Daily Express exclusively revealed how a senior executive had demanded action to “shut the f ***** up” during a board meeting to discuss how to handle Rafiq’s claims that he had felt suicidal due to institutional racism at the club.
A report into the allegations concluded that the spinner had been subjected to racism and bullying.
However, in the club’s view it was “friendly banter” and no disciplinary action was required against any member of staff.
But yesterday Lord Patel said an employment tribunal with Rafiq had been settled.
Since the scandal broke the county has lost the right to host international matches while a number of sponsors have severed ties with the club, leading to an estimated loss of £15million.
Rafiq said: “I want to reiterate my call for the change that must come next – and one that must happen quickly.
“Mark Arthur, Martyn Moxon and many of those in the coaching staff have been part of the problem.
“They have consistently failed to take responsibility for what happened on their watch and must go.”
Lord Patel said: “Azeem is a whistleblower and should be praised. He should never have been put through this.
“We’re sorry for what you and your family have experienced and the way in which we’ve handled this.
“I thank Azeem for his bravery in speaking out. Let me be clear from the outset, racism or discrimination in any form is not banter.”
Lord Patel said he had not been fully able to digest Yorkshire’s report into Rafiq’s allegations, but added: “What I’ve seen so far does feel uncomfortable. It makes me feel the process wasn’t as well completed as it should have been.”
He will release the report to those with a “legal interest” rather than simply publish it. This would include the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Julian Knight MP, who chairs the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.