YORKSHIRE MAYORS AND MPS CALL FOR ENGLAND & WALES CRICKET BOARD TO TAKE URGENT ACTION OVER RACISM CLAIMS

Published 3 November 2021 at 2:05pm

Yorkshire’s two Metro Mayors, Dan Jarvis and Tracy Brabin, along with a large regional cross-party group of MPs, have called for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to urgently investigate Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) over its treatment of cricketer Azeem Rafiq. 

It follows reports that YCCC attempted to dismiss repeated racist abuse directed at Mr Rafiq, as ‘banter’. 

The letter, signed by 34 Yorkshire MPs and the Mayors, calls for the ECB to launch an immediate and comprehensive new investigation into YCCC’s handling of the original allegations, with consequences for both the players responsible, and board members who failed to address this blatant racism.

South Yorkshire Mayor and Barnsley Central MP, Dan Jarvis, who coordinated the letter, said:

“The disgraceful treatment of Azeem Rafiq has brought Yorkshire County Cricket Club into disrepute. It’s appalling that anyone has to suffer racist abuse in the workplace, and then for that abuse to be repeatedly dismissed as ‘banter’ is utterly unacceptable. 

The English Cricket Board needs to act urgently to rectify these failures, eradicate the scourge of racism from cricket and restore the reputation of cricket in Yorkshire.

 Azeem Rafiq has been courageous in speaking out and has my full support. There is no place for racism anywhere.”

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, who signed the letter said: 

“Defending use of racist slurs as “banter” is abhorrent and I am appalled that Azeem Rafiq has been subject to this abuse. 

As a county, we often celebrate our strong sporting heritage and love for cricket, however this has shamed Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and I know our communities will stand shoulder to shoulder with Azeem and be utterly embarrassed.

Inquiries by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the English Cricket Board are welcome, but they should not have been needed.

Racism has no place in Yorkshire, or our society.”

Halifax MP, Holly Lynch, who signed the letter, said: 

“Yorkshire’s MPs have been appalled at what has unfolded at Yorkshire Country Cricket Club. For such blatant racism to be disregarded as ‘banter’ points to incredibly serious systemic failures to recognise and root out racism. 

The whole of the county and all of our communities should be able to take pride in the regional cricket team but this sorry episode has undermined that. 

MPs are now ensuring that Parliament and national bodies intervene to ensure those responsible are held to account.”