Lehmann racism rap a factor as ECB pay up his Hundred contract
THE ECB have paid off Darren Lehmann’s Hundred contract after he resigned as head coach of the Northern Superchargers this month. The 51-year-old signed a twoyear contract at Headingley and Sportsmail can reveal he has been paid in full despite him not returning for the second edition of the tournament this summer. Lehmann, the former Australia coach, cited ‘the continuing uncertainty around Covid-19, quarantining and restrictions’ as reasons in the statement announcing his departure, but sensitivity over his ban for using racist language while playing for Australia may also have been a factor. The ECB is determined to promote greater diversity and inclusion in the sport following the Azeem Rafiq affair, with Lehmann’s position at the Superchargers further undermined by the cultural change and dramatic staff turnover being led by Lord Patel at Yorkshire, Lehmann’s former county. Although separate entities, both teams play at Headingley, with the Northern Superchargers using many of Yorkshire’s players and staff last season. Lord Patel is attempting to overhaul Yorkshire and revive their brand after the county were described as ‘institutionally racist’ by
former chairman Roger Hutton, a process which some at the ECB felt may have been hindered by Lehmann’s continued involvement at the Superchargers. In 2003, the former Australia batsman was banned for five one-day internationals after being found guilty of using racially abusive language following his dismissal in an ODI against Sri Lanka. Lehmann’s assistant coach at the Superchargers, Andrew Gale, has also left after he was one of 16 members of staff sacked by Yorkshire last month in light of Rafiq’s racism allegations. The former Yorkshire captain had only been given a one-year contract, however, so has not received a pay-off. Lord Patel does not have a formal management role at the Superchargers but it is not believed to be any coincidence that Lehmann has left the franchise just weeks after the mass sackings at Yorkshire, as the chairman strives to regain the club’s international match
staging rights. The ECB’s decision last November to suspend Headingley’s right to host international and major matches extends to knockout fixtures in the Hundred but it remains the Superchargers’ home ground for regular season games. The ECB declined to comment. Allan Donald, meanwhile, will not be joining the Yorkshire coaching staff following a first-round of interviews for two assistant coach jobs.
Sportsmail revealed South
Africa pace bowling legend Donald, 55, was being considered by new cricket supremo Darren Gough but Yorkshire are now focusing on other candidates. Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood is in the running but his compatriot Saqlain Mushtaq has pulled out of contention. Dean Headley, the former England fast bowler and a contemporary of Gough, is another under consideration to work under new head coach Ottis Gibson.