Former Yorkshire captain, Azeem Rafiq has once again taken on the English cricket hierarchy. After reporting incidents of racism at the club back in 2020, Rafiq, on Wednesday, 18 August has once again called the structure out. The former captain of the county cricket club has alleged that despite the submission of the enquiry report on August 14, the club has been sitting on it and not making it public, nullifying any use of the enquiry.
It has been reported that an enquiry committee, that was set up by Yorkshire County Cricket Club after allegations of institutionalised racism at the club by its former captain Azeem Rafiq, has finally given a 100-page report to the club.
"It's a sham. We've waited a year for this report and they are still trying to bury it. Surely now is the time for the ECB to become involved?’ the 29-year-old was quoted as asking by ESPNCricinfo.
Rafiq, who also led the England U-19 side during an Under-19 World Cup, was furious at the non-action by the England and Wales Cricket Board. "The ECB's own anti-discrimination code states that any alleged breach must be investigated and dealt with in a timely fashion,” he said.
“Well, it's been more than a year and no one has been held accountable and nothing has changed. At some stage, the ECB need to act or, by passively accepting the situation, they are part of the problem,” Rafiq attacked the ECB after being frustrated by its non-involvement.
Although born in Karachi, Pakistan, Rafiq represented England at all age group stages except the senior level. The man who was once touted to lead England in future asked if the politicians were going to do something for the players getting racially abused every year at different places.
"Why are our politicians not stepping in to ensure this issue is investigated with the transparency it deserves? There's a Test between England and India in Leeds next week. Do they want the issue of race hanging over it?” he asked.
Rafiq opened about racism last year post the Black Lives Matter gained momentum in England and all over the world.
It has come to light that Yorkshire offered Rafiq a large financial settlement - believed to be in excess of £100,000 - some months ago, but Rafiq refused it, saying that it was never about money.
"This has never been about money for me and it never will be. I want change. I want the next generation to be able to able to play cricket without the abuse I have suffered,” said the player who played 40 First-Class games between 2009 and 2018 for the club that he is fighting against.
Rafiq said that the club has had its chance to show that they have changed. But not being able to convince people, he thinks ECB and politicians must step in now.
"Nothing will get done if we leave it to the club. They wouldn't have had an enquiry if the media hadn't forced them into it. Now they'll try to cover up the conclusions. They've had their chance. It's time for the ECB and politicians to step in,” Rafiq said.
The next England-India Test is in Yorkshire at their home ground of Headingley in Leeds.