ECB should warn Yorkshire Test is at risk in racism dispute, say MPS
The England and Wales Cricket Board has been urged by senior MPS to warn Yorkshire of sanctions over “one of the most disquieting episodes in cricket history”.
Members of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee have reserved their right to haul officials before them while the club “drags its feet” over the Azeem Rafiq race row. Julian Knight, chairman of the committee, contacted the ECB yesterday to add his voice to mounting concern after the club ruled out any disciplinary action.
Knight last night encouraged the governing body to use its “leverage” by warning Yorkshire it could be stripped of a Test match.
“This is one of the most disquieting episodes in cricket history,” the Conservative MP said after delays in Yorkshire releasing a full unredacted report, which confirms Rafiq was subjected to racism.
“Time and again, Yorkshire seems to be failing in its duty of care to its former employee, but also to the sport of cricket. Why is it that a
sport which is noted for its diversity, for its coming together across communities, is now being tarnished in this extraordinary way? I would call on the ECB to conduct a rapid, extensive investigation into Yorkshire’s actions. Should they find that Yorkshire has failed in its duty to Rafiq, but also to the wider cricketing community, then Yorkshire should potentially face sanction from the ECB.”
Knight and a host of MPS had already raised concerns before Yorkshire’s announcement on Thursday that they were sparing any officials from action, despite the club recognising last month that there was “no question” that some of Rafiq’s racial harassment claims were right. Mounting anger at perceived cover-ups and delays in releasing information has been described as a “serious concern” by senior sources at the ECB.
Figures close to the case also confirmed it was “not beyond the ECB’S reach” to strip Yorkshire of a Test match at Headingley if they are not satisfied by the club’s actions.
Knight added: “Yorkshire has its financial issues, and it needs Test cricket. That is potentially leverage that the ECB could bring to bear to ensure Yorkshire stops dragging its feet and stops potentially disgracing cricket.”
The club released a summarised report on Sept 10 recognising that seven of 40-plus allegations outlined by Rafiq had been upheld following a 12-month inquiry. However, no disciplinary action is being taken against staff.