(London) The Yorkshire cricket club was suspended Thursday from all international competition on its ground after the authorities of the discipline condemned its management “completely unacceptable” of a case of racism suffered by the former player of English cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
Following accusations by the Pakistan-born sportsman, the Yorkshire club in northern England issued a report in September concluding he had been “the victim of racial harassment and bullying” .
However, he decided last week not to take any disciplinary action, triggering a wave of criticism going back to the government.
Convened by a parliamentary committee
The scandal has been escalated to the political level and Azeem Rafiq will be heard on November 16 by a parliamentary committee in charge of sport.
Himself of Pakistani origin, the Minister of Health Sajid Javid estimated that “heads should fall” at the club.
The club is subject to a suspension which prevents it from hosting any international or major competition “until it has clearly demonstrated that it can meet the standards expected from an international venue” , announced Thursday evening the cricket body for England and Wales.
PHOTO PAUL CHILDS, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Yorkshire’s Azeem Rafiq, celebrating a point on August 16, 2020.
Yorkshire club is one of six main grounds in England which can host international competitions.
Former England international Gary Ballance admitted on Wednesday that he used racist slurs against Mr. Rafiq, apologizing for using the words “during immature exchanges during my youth. ”
Azeem Rafiq pointed out on Twitter on Thursday that “these are not really the words of some individuals” but that it is “institutional racism” and the “despicable failures to act of many Yorkshire County Cricket Club leaders and sport more broadly ”.
“The sport I love and my club are in desperate need of reform and cultural change,” he added.
Cricket, a very popular sport in the United Kingdom as well as in the former British colonies, has so far been relatively untouched by racism scandals or examinations of conscience on diversity affecting football in recent years but also that of many institutions political, cultural or economic.
Mr Rafiq had reported 43 incidents of racism and said the way he was treated while in the club caused him to have suicidal thoughts.
The Yorkshire report confirmed seven of his accusations, but concluded that the club were not institutionally racist.
The scandal cost the club several sponsors including the Emerald Publishing Group, Yorkshire Tea brand and Tetley beers.