PCA to investigate after confidential information leak in Azeem Rafiq case

GEORGE DOBELL - EXCLUSIVE: If such a leak is proven, it will raise serious questions about the Professional Cricketers' Trust's ability to retain confidential information and could result in others being reluctant to come forward

The PCA are launching an investigation after confidential information about Azeem Rafiq appeared in the media.

The Daily Mail reported that the Professional Cricketers' Trust - the PCA-run charity which supports current and former professionals during difficult times - had "paid off" gambling debts incurred by Rafiq several years ago.

In actuality, Rafiq has paid the majority of the money back to the PCA. It is a far from unique set of circumstances.

^{The PCA is investigating a potential leak at the Professional Cricketers' Trust (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

What is unique is the disclosure of such information to the media.

If such a leak is proven, it will raise serious questions about the Trust's ability to retain confidential information and could result in others being reluctant to come forward.

The PCA do a huge amount of work in educating young cricketers and preparing more experienced ones for life after their playing career ends, while the Trust has won universal respect for the work they do helping members who have fallen on hard times. 

But they have already parted company with one former member of staff who represented Rafiq in a key meeting with Yorkshire but subsequently claimed he didn’t recall any allegation of racism. He also failed to take any notes.

^{Azeem Rafiq during his DCMS select committee appearance}

They have pledged to sack anyone who they conclude has leaked any private information. 

It is also understood the matter has been referred to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Officer).

Meanwhile, the ECB's Integrity Unit are understood to be investigating a number of figures accused in the saga, among them Michael Vaughan, Tim Bresnan, Matthew Hoggard, Andrew Gale, Gary Ballance, Martyn Moxon, Mark Arthur, John Blain, Richard Pyrah and Barnsley Cricket Club.

A decision over whether to charge is expected before the end of February.

Potential sanctions include lifetime bans from the game.