Chair Ian Watmore has said the ECB understands Rafiq’s frustrations regarding how long it has taken Yorkshire to investigate his allegations of institutional racism
ECB chair Ian Watmore has provided an update on the status of Yorkshire’s investigation into Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of institutional racism at the club, confirming the board has requested a copy of the report and a timeline for publication.
Rafiq, who came through the Yorkshire academy and represented the senior side between 2008 and 2014, first made the allegations last summer, prompting an investigation.
However, while Yorkshire have, according to ESPN Cricinfo, received a copy of the 100-page report, they are yet to publish the findings, leading Rafiq to ask for the ECB and politicians to intervene.
In response, Watmore released the following statement: "We respect the independent process behind the review, and the club's legal responsibilities to all parties. We also understand the frustration at the length of time this investigation has taken.
"Now that the club has a full copy of the report, we have today written to Yorkshire to formally request a copy, together with a timeline for publication.
"It has taken considerable courage for Azeem Rafiq to speak out, and it is right that his experiences should have been thoroughly investigated. We now look forward to receiving a copy of the report promptly to enable us to fulfil our role as the ultimate regulator of the game."
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Posted by Adrian Finn on 20/08/2021 at 14:23
I saw Azeem Rafiq playing for Yorkshire in 2016. He had come back for a second stint, after 2 years away. Very important to report this accurately if allegations about officials at the club during his tenures.
Posted by Adrian Finn on 20/08/2021 at 13:45
I saw Azeem Rafiq playing for Yorkshire in 2016. He came back for a second stint, leaving if I recall in 2018. Very important to report this accurately if allegations about officials at the club during his tenures.
Posted by Marc Evans on 20/08/2021 at 13:27
Clearly the ECB doesn't understand Rafiq's frustrations as they reduce his charge of institutionalised racism to a statement of 'inappropriate behavior'. Typical of the spineless suits in charge at the moment. It's not only the Yorkshire board that's in need of an overhaul. I hope Rafiq releases his evidence into the public domain so we can all see what the fuss is about and who's causing it.