Six fined in Yorkshire racism case
The six former Yorkshire players found guilty of using racist language in the Azeem Rafiq case have received their sanctions from the Cricket Discipline Commission, including combined fines of
£22,000.
Ex-england batter Gary Ballance admitted charges levied against him as part of Rafiq’s claims of institutional discrimination and bullying during his time at Headingley, while former Ashes winners Matthew Hoggard and Tim Bresnan joined Andrew Gale, John Blain and Richard Pyrah in withdrawing from proceedings in protest.
In their absence, all five were found to have breached ECB directive 3.3. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was cleared of using racist language and bringing the game into disrepute after opting to defend himself at the hearing in March.
None of the six sanctioned are currently active in professional cricket but have been strongly advised to “undertake an appropriate racism/discrimination education course identified by the ECB” at their own expense.
Ballance, who briefly reignited his international career with Zimbabwe before retiring from the sport last month, has been handed a six-match suspension, which would only come into effect should he return to English cricket, as well as a £3,000 fine.
Bresnan and Hoggard both picked up £4,000 fines, with
Bresnan also served with a three-match suspension despite retiring in
2022.
Gale, who lost his job as Yorkshire’s head coach as a result of the case, has a fourweek coaching ban and a £6,000 fine.
Former pace bowling coach Pyrah has a two-week coaching ban and a £2,500 fine while Blain has been ordered to pay £2,500.
The individuals have until June 9 to lodge an appeal, though whether those who removed themselves from proceedings will do so, or admit liability for the fines, remains to be seen.
The sanction hearing for Yorkshire, who have separately admitted four breaches, will be held on June 27.