AZEEM RAFIQ STATEMENT

“I WANT to thank my family, the public, politicians, the media and the many players and coaches who have supported me both publicly and privately.

“You have given me strength to get through the bad times, of which there have been too many since I first spoke about my experiences.

“I also want to thank Lord Patel for making the offer and sorting this out within 72 hours of his appointment. It should not have taken the rest of the club a year to realise I would not be silenced through an NDA. I spoke out because I wanted to create change at the club.

“I brought a legal claim because the club refused to acknowledge the problem and create change. For the first time that I can remember, I have hope this might happen – but I will be watching and continue to campaign to ensure that it does. “As Lord Patel said, this is just the start if we are to make cricket open to everyone, no matter their background. Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the sport at large desperately need reform.

“I will continue to campaign against institutional racism and look forward to speaking at the select committee hearing next week. I urge others who have suffered to come forward. There is strength in numbers and I will be right behind you.

“This is a good start, but 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. I urge them to do the right thing and resign to make way for those who will do what is needed for the club’s future.

“This has been an exhausting time for my family and for me. I need a few days to take a breath and prepare for the select committee hearing next Tuesday. I am free to speak openly and will continue to do so. I will also continue to campaign for equality and respect for all in cricket and to ensure the game I love is one where everyone is welcomed.”