Cricketer Azeem Rafiq was praised for his bravery in reporting racism and bullying at Yorkshire by the brand new chairman of the membership on Monday.
The county has been extensively criticized for its dealing with of the scandal and has already misplaced sponsors, and the proper to host England worldwide matches at its Headingley residence.
“Azeem is a whistleblower and should be praised as such, he should never have been put through this,” new Yorkshire chairman Kamlesh Patel mentioned. “We’re sorry for what you and your loved ones have skilled and the way in which wherein we’ve dealt with this.
“I thank Azeem for his bravery in speaking out. Let me be clear from the outset, racism or discrimination in any form is not banter.”
Lord Kamlesh Patel of Bradford, the brand new Chair of Yorkshire CCC, made a gap assertion to media at a press convention this afternoon. You can watch or learn it right here 👇
— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) November 8, 2021
Patel’s reference to “banter” got here after that time period was reportedly used within the county’s report into Rafiq’s allegations.
It was reported {that a} teammate had repeatedly used a derogatory slur aimed in direction of Rafiq referencing his Pakistani heritage, however the allegation was not upheld on the idea that it was within the context of pleasant exchanges between the gamers.
“What I’ve seen so far does feel uncomfortable,” Patel mentioned of the investigation.” It makes me really feel the method wasn’t as properly accomplished because it ought to have been.”
Rafiq, a former England under-19 captain, mentioned in interviews final 12 months that as a Muslim he was made to really feel like an “outsider” throughout his time at Yorkshire from 2008-17 and that he was near taking his personal life.
Yorkshire has settled an employment tribunal case with Rafiq, Patel mentioned.
“Absolutely no restrictions have been placed on Azeem on what he can or cannot say about his experiences,” Patel mentioned. “The settlement does not involve a non-disclosure agreement.”
Patel mentioned he was additionally commissioning a specialist unbiased overview of the county’s processes and procedures on range and inclusion.
He mentioned he had spoken to the England and Wales Cricket Board in regards to the restoration of worldwide cricket at its stadium however that Yorkshire must “address the root causes” that had led to the suspension.
Patel mentioned he would launch the report back to those that had a “legal interest” reasonably than merely publish it.
