Azeem Rafiq calls on ECB and politicians to intervene after Yorkshire delays publication of racism report

Rafiq, the former England U19 and Yorkshire captain, prompted the report after his allegations of racism at the club a year ago. At the time, the club said they hoped to complete it by Christmas 2020. As things stand, it is understood the 100-page report was sent to Yorkshire officials on Saturday morning (14 August).

Rather than publishing it, or even its findings and recommendations, ESPNcricinfo understands that Yorkshire is instead considering issuing a statement confirming that it has received it and is currently considering its content. It is likely, however, that the statement will confirm that several – but not all – of Rafiq’s allegations regarding institutional racism at the club have been confirmed. Rafiq was not given a copy of the report nor contacted by the perpetrators or the club.

ESPNcricinfo has seen much of the evidence and is aware of some of the findings. Among the witness statements are reports of several Asian players saying they were called “Stinky P***” and a Yorkshire captain regularly using the word “n*****”. More than one age group coach also reports being told not to select too many young Asians for their side.

In addition, the report provides evidence of previous complaints of racism at the club which have not been satisfactorily investigated or resolved. Among those complaints was one from Adil Rashid, the England legpinner, who told club officials at the end of the 2017 season of his “concerns about [the] treatment of certain people based on their race,” according to an internal club report. While the club did not hold a meeting to investigate these complaints until the end of August 2018 – ESPNcricinfo obtained the minutes of the meeting from a whistleblower at the club – it acknowledges that both Rashid and Rafiq have expressed concerns.

Rashid has so far declined to comment publicly on the episode. At one point Yorkshire lawyers informed Rafiq that Rashid would provide evidence against him; a suggestion that was not true.

Adil Rashid later contacted ESPNcricinfo to clarify that whatever issues he may have had with Yorkshire have long since been resolved. He also says he doesn’t remember the details of what was discussed at the 2017 meeting, which he remembers as a casual conversation over dinner. Evidence outlining his complaint in 2017 was provided by the club.

Although some of those named in the report are well-known players – including several former players – there are currently no players involved with England squads. Indeed, Rafiq was full of praise for the support of England Test captain Joe Root and several former managers, including Paul Farbrace and Jason Gillespie. There is, however, one manager who is currently involved in the England route system named in witness statements. ESPNcricinfo understands that this section of the report has been brought to the attention of ECB officials.

ESPNcricinfo also understands that Yorkshire offered Rafiq a large financial settlement – believed to be over £100,000 – a few months ago. He refused as it would have required him to sign a non-disclosure agreement and brought no public acknowledgment of an obligation to change the club.

“It’s a sham,” Rafiq told ESPNcricinfo. “We waited a year for this report and they are still trying to bury it. Is it time for the ECB to get involved?

“The ECB’s own anti-discrimination code states that any suspected breaches must be investigated and dealt with in a ‘timely’ manner. Well, it’s been over a year and no one has been held accountable. responsible and nothing has changed.At some point the ECB has to act or, by passively accepting the situation, they are part of the problem.

“Why don’t our politicians step in to make sure this issue is looked at with the transparency it deserves? There is a test between England and India in Leeds next week. Do they want that the question of race hangs over it?

“It has never been about the money for me and it never will be. I want change. I want the next generation to be able to play cricket without the abuse that I have suffered.

“Nothing will be done if we leave it to the club. They wouldn’t have had an investigation if the media hadn’t forced them. Now they will try to cover up the findings. They had their chance. It’s time let the ECB and the politicians intervene.”

Although the report is not understood to require a change in the management of the club, the current holders are expected to come under enormous pressure in the coming weeks. A beacon amid the gloom is Roger Hutton, who was appointed club chairman less than 18 months ago, who is not criticized in the report and who has emerged as someone determined to improve the club’s record. club in this area. He is believed to be frustrated with the club’s intransigence and considering his own position.

Yorkshire’s problem is that the investigation – which they claim was independent, but was in fact paid for by the club and carried out by people chosen by the club – has no power of judicial review. As a result, individuals cannot be named without risking the possibility of legal action. It is understood that the terms of reference for the review allow the club’s lawyers to remove any details – including names – that they deem appropriate.

ECB President Ian Watmore said: “We respect the independent process behind the review and the Club’s legal responsibilities to all parties. We also understand the frustration at the length of this investigation.

“Now that the Club have a full copy of the report, we have written to Yorkshire today formally requesting a copy, together with a timetable for publication.

“It took considerable courage for Azeem Rafiq to speak out, and it is right that his experiences have been thoroughly investigated. We now look forward to receiving a copy of the report soon to enable us to complete our role as the ultimate regulator of the game.”