The Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) has been suspended from hosting international or major matches over allegations of racism by former player Azim Rafiq, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Thursday.
“It is clear that the YCCC’s behavior on the issues raised by Azeem Rafiq is completely unacceptable and is causing serious damage to the reputation of the sport,” the ECB said in a statement.
“ECB finds this matter disgusting and against the spirit of cricket and its values.”
Yorkshire batsman Gary Balance, 31, who on Wednesday said he used racist language towards his former teammate nL1N2RU3RR Rafiq, has also been suspended indefinitely from England selection.
“Before any regulatory investigation is completed, the Board wishes to take immediate action with respect to Gary Balance,” the ECB said.
“While Mr Balance has not been selected to play for England since 2017, he will be suspended indefinitely from selection. This position will be reviewed after an ECB regulatory inquiry into his conduct.
The ECB said it has agreed to the end of its investigation to allow Yorkshire to deal with the matter and to consider sanctions, including financial and future match allocation.
The ECB said, “In the meantime, the YCCC is suspended from hosting international or major matches unless it is clearly demonstrated that it meets the standards expected of an international venue, ECB member and first-class county.” does.” can complete.”
Reuters has contacted the club, which Headingley Stadium is used regularly for England’s Tests and limited-overs matches, for comment.
sponsorship hit
Several sponsors have terminated their partnership with Yorkshire following an independent report of allegations of racism leveled by Rafiq.
Yorkshire said last month that they would not take action against staff, players or officials nL1N2RO1Q9 after reports that Rafiq was the victim of racial harassment and bullying in his first round at the county from 2008-14.
Rafiq and senior officials from Yorkshire have been called to testify before the parliamentary Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) panel on 16 November.
DCMS committee chairman Julian Knight said in a statement on Thursday that the punishment imposed by the ECB was overdue.
“The ECB’s action in moving international cricket away from Yorkshire should act as a small, sharp blow to the club’s senses.
“Like the rest of us, I think members of Yorkshire County Cricket Club may be questioning why the board is still there.
“As for Mr. Balance, I am opting not to comment on the specifics of the matter at this time. However, it would have been completely unacceptable if they had left him eligible for selection for the England cricket team.”
Pakistani-origin player and former England Under-19 captain Rafiq said last year he was made to feel like an outsider in Yorkshire and had contemplated taking his own life.
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