ECB provide update on Azeem Rafiq investigation

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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