Michael Vaughan steps down from BBC work after ECB charge

On Monday, The Cricketer revealed that two BBC staff organisations - the BBC Sport BAME advisory group and the 5 Live diversity advisory group - had written a letter to management in which Vaughan's roles on radio and television were questioned

Michael Vaughan has stepped down from his BBC duties after staff at the broadcaster wrote an open letter questioning the former England captain's position following his ECB charge.

Vaughan was charged with bringing the game into disrepute earlier this month as part of an ECB investigation into allegations of historic and institutional racism at Yorkshire. He faces a Cricket Discipline Commission hearing on the matter later this year, but has always strenuously denied using any discriminatory or racially insensitive language. 

On Monday, The Cricketer revealed that two BBC staff organisations - the BBC Sport BAME advisory group and the 5 Live diversity advisory group - had written a letter to senior management in which Vaughan's roles on radio and television were questioned. 

Part of the letter read: "With Michael Vaughan implicated in this scandal and now understood to be charged by the ECB, it feels totally inexcusable that he should continue to appear, as a representative of BBC Sport."

^{Michael Vaughan has stepped down from BBC work on a short-term basis [Getty Images]}

On Tuesday evening, Vaughan published a statement via his social media platforms, announcing his decision to stand down from Test Match Special and the BBC's cricket highlights show. He is still expected to continue working on his Telegraph podcast - the Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club. 

The statement read: "On numerous occasions, I have put on record my views on the issues concerning YCCC. It is always regrettable when commentary on matters off the field take the focus away from what's happening on the field. In view of the ongoing dialogue on the subject, I have taken the decision to step back from my work with the BBC for the time being.

"The key driver for this is my concern for the wellbeing of my family members and my wish to protect their family life. Stepping back temporarily is also in the interests of the game and I hope that it will minimise any difficulties for my work colleagues."

The BBC acknowledged Vaughan's decision in a short statement of its own. It read: "Following conversations with Michael Vaughan we have accepted his decision to step away from our cricket coverage. This is a decision we respect and understand. Michael remains under contract to the BBC."

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