Alex Hales denies racial connotations in naming of his dog

On Tuesday, Azeem Rafiq said that the word ‘Kevin’ had been used by England players as a term for people from black and Asian backgrounds

Nick Friend | 17/11/2021 at 16:45

Alex Hales has denied naming his dog 'Kevin' after a racially derogatory term, following allegations made by Azeem Rafiq.

Giving evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee on Tuesday (November 16), Rafiq said that the word ‘Kevin’ had been used by England players as a term for people from black and Asian backgrounds.

He claimed that it had been used by former Yorkshire teammate Gary Ballance and became more widely used in England’s dressing room, where he alleged it eventually led to Nottinghamshire batter Hales – who has not played for the national side since shortly before the 2019 World Cup – giving the name to his black dog.

Hales - who arrived in Australia on Wednesday ahead of his Big Bash stint with Sydney Thunder - issued a statement in which he "categorically" denied the accusation.

“Having heard the allegations made against me, I categorically and absolutely deny there was any racial connotation in the naming of my dog,” he said.

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^{Alex Hales's dog, Kevin, on Hales' Instagram profile}

“I entirely respect and have huge sympathy for both the stance Azeem Rafiq has taken and what he has had to endure. His evidence was harrowing.

“There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in cricket and I will gladly cooperate with any investigation the game’s authorities choose to hold.

“Neither I nor my representatives will be making any further comment on the matter.”

Speaking before the same committee, ECB chief executive Tom Harrison claimed not to have been aware of the word’s usage but pledged to investigate Rafiq’s claim further.

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