ECB: Yorkshire has been barred from hosting international and big matches by the ECB Board following the county’s handling of claims of racism leveled by former player Azeem Rafiq.
Once the ECB’s internal investigations are completed, the Board indicated it will consider financial and future major match allocation consequences.
Rafiq has made a variety of claims concerning his time at Yorkshire, including that he was bullied and harassed because of his race. Rafiq had been subjected to “racial harassment and bullying,” according to an independent investigation commissioned by Yorkshire.
The ECB Board has suspended Yorkshire from hosting internationally. And major matches in light of the county’s handling of allegations of racism from their former player Azeem Rafiq. The Board said it will also consider financial. And future major match allocation sanctions once the ECB’s own investigations have concluded.
They said it is “clear there are serious questions regarding the governance and management of YCCC. The club’s failure in relation to actions and responses to their own report. Represents a significant breach of its obligations to the game.”
The ECB Board met on Thursday afternoon to discuss the ongoing situation. Which they described in a statement as “abhorrent and against the spirit of cricket and its values”
Following its own internal inquiry. The county later stating that no disciplinary action would be taken against any of its players or officials.
Despite allegations, claiming an independent investigation into Rafiq’s claims. Found that a senior player had frequently called Rafiq “P***,” the independent investigation found otherwise. On Wednesday (November 3), Gary Ballance issued a statement indicating that he was the player in question.
“I deeply regret some of the languages I used in my younger years,” Ballance said in the statement.
Since those reports were release, MPs, including the UK Health Secretary, Sajid Javid. Have criticized Yorkshire’s handling of the allegations. And a number of sponsors, including Nike, Yorkshire Tea. And Emerald, Headingley’s title sponsor, have terminated their contracts with the county in the last 24 hours.
Yorkshire’s Chair, Roger Hutton, and Rafiq have been summon to testify. Before the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s committee later this month.
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The ECB had already started its own regulatory process after receiving Yorkshire’s independent investigation last week.
However, the Board of Directors decided to meet on Thursday and take urgent action. Awaiting the results of their own investigations.
The Cricket Disciplinary Committee (CDC). An independent organization, will assess the regulatory procedure now ongoing into Rafiq’s allegations. And will reveal its findings in due time. The ECB Board may opt to impose financial fines or withdraw Yorkshire. Right to apply for international matches in the next round of allocations, depending on the outcome of the CDC review.
Yorkshire has also been barred from hosting England matches “unless it has clearly proven that it can achieve the criteria expects of an international venue, ECB member. And First-Class County,” according to the ECB. Both a Test against New Zealand next year. And an Ashes Test in 2023 is currently schedule at Headingley, but both must now be in jeopardy.
The ECB will also commission a review of Yorkshire’s governance to see if the county’s current procedures are fit for purpose
Ballance has been suspending indefinitely from England’s selection, despite not having been selecting for the national team since 2017. Following the ECB’s regulatory examination into his conduct, that position will be reconsidered.
“There is no place for racism or any form of discrimination in cricket and where it is found. Swift action must be taken. This matter must be dealt with robustly if the sport is to demonstrate its commitment. To truly be a game for everyone.”
Aside from the immediate ramifications of the ECB’s measures, Yorkshire’s long-term future must now be in jeopardy. The club’s finances will be severely harm as a result of sponsors abandoning them. And the suspension of international matches at Headingley. If the ECB decides to levy a financial penalty at the conclusion of their own investigations. The county’s financial situation could deteriorate even more.
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