Rafiq investigation too important to be rushed, say Yorkshire

YORKSHIRE have been accused of dragging their feet in the investigation into Azeem Rafiq’s claims that the club is institutionally racist.

Rafiq’s legal team said that the club risks “legitimising racism” if the “heavily delayed investigation into its toxic culture is not published by the start of April,” claiming that it is impacting on a separate employment tribunal which started this month.

Yorkshire launched an investigation in September after Rafiq claimed that he was driven to the brink of suicide by the racism he experienced at the club, for whom he played between 2008 and 2018.

Yorkshire responded to the latest charge by insisting that the investigation is too important to rush and expressed confidence that it will conclude before the next part of the tribunal process scheduled for June.

Rafiq’s solicitor, Asma Iqbal, of Chadwick Lawrence LLP, said: “We want to see a thorough investigation, which is why we accepted that this inquiry would take longer than initially suggested.

“The continued delays, however, create a lack of faith in the entire process and means trust in the sport’s ability to clean up its act is being seriously undermined.

“At best, the delay is tone deaf when former players, coaches, and umpires are bravely coming forward about their dreadful experiences. At worst, the delay shows fear of the investigation’s possible findings and the impact they might have on the employment tribunal. Failure to act quickly and decisively only risks legitimising racism.”

Iqbal continued: “I urge YCCC and its appointed panel and lawyers to complete this investigation by the start of April at the latest, giving all sides time to review the findings ahead of the employment tribunal. That will have been seven months, which is far more than enough time to produce a thorough and conclusive report. The longer this is delayed, the longer we have to wait for the reforms YCCC so badly needs if it is to become an inclusive, progressive club.”

Yorkshire responded in a statement, saying: “Far from ‘legitimising racism’ this is an extremely important investigation, not just for Yorkshire County Cricket Club but for the game of cricket and for sport more widely.

“We have always acknowledged that this has often been a difficult process for those involved and the investigation team were clear that witnesses be given the time and space to speak about their experiences fully and that they should not feel the pressure of a constrained time limit.

“Azeem has raised an important issue to bring about meaningful change, improve diversity and stamp out racism in sport and the investigation’s recommendations will form an important part of that process.

“We believe that the investigation’s findings will be delivered before the next stage of the tribunal but it would be inappropriate to try to tailor its timing to fit with tribunal proceedings.”

JOE ROOT refused to condemn the pitch after accepting his England side were outplayed by India in a humbling two-day third Test defeat in Ahmedabad.

However, Root suggested the International Cricket Council may take their own view of another rampant turner. Seventeen wickets fell inside the first two sessions at the new Narendra Modi Stadium, wrapping up India’s first innings and England’s second at warp speed to leave the hosts chasing just 49 for the win.

They promptly wrapped up victory by 10 wickets to ensure three full days went unused for just the seventh time in the last 75 years of Test history.

With just 140.2 overs sent down, it was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled, and only amplified the debate which raged over the fitness of the previous surface – a loose dustbowl in Chennai.

As captain Root made a point to assume responsibility for his side’s shortcomings and made it clear that being bowled out for 112 on day one, then 81 in their second attempt, was not good enough.

But it was hard to escape a feeling of exasperation at the extreme spin that has dominated for the past fortnight, even though Root himself was able to cash in to the tune of five wickets for eight with his occasional offbreaks.

“I think that this surface is a very challenging one, a very difficult one to play on. But it’s not for players to decide if it’s fit for purpose; that’s up to the

ICC,” he said. “Again, I’m paid to play the game, not make those decisions, but it’s something that I’m sure they’ll look at off the back of the last couple of matches.

“If I’m getting five wickets on there then you can tell it is giving a fair amount of spin, that sums the pitch up slightly. There always has to be an element of home advantage, because that is part of the beauty of Test cricket.

“You go around the world playing in all these wonderful places and you have to learn to develop your game, to find different ways. It’s just how extreme you’re willing to let the wickets be.”