The ECB has suspended Yorkshire from hosting major matches including internationals. The board took the decision after a meeting in which the implications of the investigation into the Azeem Rafiq racism issue. The ECB also announced indefinite suspension from selection for England of Garry Ballance, a senior Yorkshire player, after he admitted he had used racist language towards Rafiq, a former teammate.
Yorkshire were due to host an Ashes Test in the 2023 season. The ECB said that it was stripping Yorkshire of major-match status until the club
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ECB Weighs in
In a statement to the media the ECB said,
Investigation Set off by Interviews by Former Skipper Rafiq
The investigation into institutional racism at Yorkshire began last year after a series of interviews by the club’s former skipper Rafiq. The ECB had initially declined to make the findings of the independent investigation public. A copy of the full report was received by the ECB in which it was revealed that Rafiq had been referred to by the racial slur “P**i” that the report reportedly equated with the term “zimbo” said to have been used by Rafiq as a nickname for Ballance.
Long-Time Sponsors Abandon Club
Following the revelation, Yorkshire faced a barrage of condemnation, particularly from Sajid Javid, the UK health secretary, who reportedly said, “heads should roll.” Ties with the club have since been severed by several sponsors. These include Emerald Group Publishing, the title sponsors of Headingley. A local duo of long-time supporters, Tetley Bitters and Yorkshire Tea, also decided to part ways with the club along with Nike, Yorkshire’s kit sponsor.
Board Members to Appear at November 16 Hearing
The club appears likely to face further embarrassment, with several senior board members due to appear on November 16 before the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee. They include director of cricket Martyn Moxon, chief executive Mark Arthur, and chairman Roger Hutton. Testimony is expected to be given at the hearing by Rafiq who will be provided parliamentary privilege protection.
Statement by MP Julian Knight
Member of Parliament Julian Knight who is chair of the DCMS select committee said,
