CAREER IN RUINS... BUT RAFIQ NEVER STOPPED FIGHTING

2008-14 and 2016-18: In two spells at the club Azeem Rafiq enjoys a promising career becoming both the youngest and first British Asian captain of Yorkshire in 2012, leading the side in T20 cricket.

May 2018: Rafiq receives the news that his son has been stillborn during a one-day game against Warwickshire. Summer 2018: Rafiq reports his claims of racism and bullying to Yorkshire’s chief executive and director of cricket, and to his PCA representative – only to be ignored and subsequently released at the end of that season.

Aug/sept 2020: Rafiq claims institutional racism at Yorkshire left him close to suicide across three media interviews, prompting an investigation from the club.

December 2020: Rafiq lodges a legal claim under the Equality Act saying he suffered direct discrimination on the grounds of race.

Summer 2021: No resolution is found between Yorkshire and Rafiq but after receiving the investigation report the club apologise for the inappropriate behaviour he suffered.

September 2021: Summary of the report is published. ECB request the full report amid concerns.

October/november 2021: Yorkshire are pleased to announce that they will be taking no disciplinary action against anyone as a result of the report – sparking a significant backlash with sponsors quitting in their droves following the decision to characterise use of the word ‘P***’ as friendly banter.

October 28: MPS call in senior Yorkshire figures, ECB executives and Azeem Rafiq to appear in front of DCMS select committee.

November 3: Gary Ballance admits to using racial slur towards Rafiq

November 4: Yorkshire are banned from hosting international matches by the ECB

November 5: Chairman Roger Hutton resigns and is succeeded by Lord Kamlesh Patel

November 9: Head coach Andrew Gale is suspended over historic anti-semitic tweet.

November 11: Chief executive Mark Arthur resigns detailing his successes over his eight years in charge.

November 16: DCMS select committee hearing takes place with powerful, emotional testimony from Azeem Rafiq