Gulfraz Riaz steps down from independent panel investigating alleged institutional racism at Yorkshire

The chairman of the National Asian Cricket Council will now give evidence to the panel as a witness. A conclusion to the inquiry is due before the end of the year

^{Credit: National Asian Cricket Council}

• Yorkshire announce investigation into racism allegations
• "Institutional racism" at Yorkshire alleges Azeem Rafiq

Yorkshire have announced Gulfraz Riaz has stepped down from the independent panel which is investigating allegations of institutional racism at the club.

The chairman of the National Asian Cricket Council will now give evidence to the inquiry as a witness.

Mesba Ahmed, the vice-chairman of the NACC and a former member of The Football Association's race equality advisory board, will replace him.

He joins a five-strong panel which includes barrister Rehana Azib, ex-Waitrose director Helen Hyde, Yorkshire senior independent director Stephen Willis and MCC committee member Dr. Samir Pathak, who chairs the panel.

"Sport has a crucial role to play in addressing issues of race, diversity and equality in our society," said Mr Ahmed. 

"Investigations of this nature are never easy, but they are important if we are to successfully address inequality and provide sporting opportunities across BAME communities. 

"Along with my fellow panel members, I am determined that we deliver a thorough and impartial finding and clear set of recommendations."

The panel was formed to investigate allegations of institutional racism at the Headingley club. 

Comments made in a series of interviews by Azeem Rafiq, which included the revelation he considered suicide such was the treatment he received across his spell at the club between 2008-2014, provoked the examination. Another ex-player Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has since supported the claims.

Rafiq is due to provide evidence to the panel, who expect a conclusion to the investigation before the end of 2020, in the coming weeks.

Chairman Dr Pathak said: "The investigation team have been in regular contact with Mr Rafiq’s legal counsel and understand that he will be in a position to provide a statement to the investigation by the November 6.

"The process of contacting potential witnesses and agreeing a timetable of interviews is in progress. 

"Both the investigation team and the panel are aware that this is a difficult time for all parties and are determined that the investigation will be concluded before the end of the year."