GEORGE DOBELL - EXCLUSIVE: Azeem Rafiq, who is the key witness in the case, has long argued that, for full transparency, the Cricket Disciplinary Commission (CDC) hearings should take place in public
The hearings into allegations of racism against several former Yorkshire players look likely to be heard in public after a change of stance from the ECB.
Azeem Rafiq, who is the key witness in the case, has long argued that, for full transparency, the Cricket Disciplinary Commission (CDC) hearings should take place in public.
But while Yorkshire, one of the defendants in the case, have supported that view, the six other witnesses - five former Yorkshire players and one current member of the squad - have resisted.
Now, at a directions hearing in east London, the ECB have agreed that the exceptional circumstances of the case justify that request. While the final decision remains with the CDC and could take up to two weeks to be confirmed, it does seem increasingly likely that Azeem's request will be granted.
The CDC's hearings are set to take place in around six weeks [Getty Images]
Several media organisations have also made representations to the CDC arguing that, such is the enormity of public interest in the case, the hearings should be public.
The ECB, which in this case is the regulator and the prosecutor, had previously argued that witnesses who gave evidence in expectation that the hearings would be private would resist attempts to hold them in public. It is understood, however, that all but one of them has agreed to the change.
Whatever happens, the CDC has committed to providing substantial written judgements for their verdicts, which will be public.
While the Commission is limited in terms of the sanctions it can hand out - they cannot, for example, strip Yorkshire of the right to host international cricket - it is anticipated that the stigma of any upheld charge could have significant ramifications on the careers of those involved.
Azeem attended Monday's hearing flanked by security personnel. He and his family have received numerous threats in recent days. They will all be provided with extra security until they leave the country in the coming weeks.
The full hearing will take place in around six weeks.
Posted by Samuel Cameron on 01/11/2022 at 17:04
II seems extraordinary that O'Gorman should remain in this role given the conflict of interest. In an Employment Tribunal (in my personal experience) this would lead to the removal of the person and a rescheduling. There has already been too much implicit conflict of interest given the prior acquaintance of the DCMS chair and the head of Powerscourt. Also, I think some weight needs to be given to the dangers of fanning incendiary social media spats by holding public sessions. As it is pretty much impossible to have nuanced discussions on social media about race, ethnicity, religion etc. it is hard to see this not being the case.
Posted by Philip Wilson on 18/10/2022 at 13:48
Whos paying the security for Rafiq ?.
Posted by Andrew Mayer on 18/10/2022 at 13:29
The hearing is scheduled for 6 weeks and will take how long? Rafiq is having security until he leaves the country, who pays?
Posted by Andrew Mayer on 18/10/2022 at 12:07
The hearing is expected to take place in 6 weeks and will last his long? Meanwhile Rafiq has security personnel until he leaves the country, at who's cost??
Posted by Mick Milnes on 18/10/2022 at 09:58
I'm afraid that the dressing room frivolity is being deliberately used to obtain money by players who realise that they are not going to make the grade expectations. Banter as always been used inside dressing rooms and also spilled out onto the playing field and terraces. In some cases this as upset establishment, players, viewers, umpires and the paying public. Unfortunately whatever the outcome the paying public are going to suffer. If you can't bear the heat-don't enter the Kitchen.
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