Azeem Rafiq: Yorkshire apologise to former player after he has several of his complaints upheld

Yorkshire have issued 'profound apologies' to former player Azeem Rafiq after an independent report upheld some of his allegations about his time with the county.

Yorkshire said in a statement that Rafiq was "the victim of inappropriate behaviour", which they have described as "clearly unacceptable".

However, the former off-spinner has accused the county of "fudging" his claim of institutional racism.

An independent investigation was commissioned by Yorkshire last September after Rafiq alleged he suffered racist abuse during his time at the club, where he had two spells between 2008 and 2018, which left him feeling suicidal.

The enquiry has been completed and a panel of experts - with experience within the fields of HR, sport, governance and employment law - returned a final report to the club last weekend together with a set of recommendations.

While Yorkshire stopped short of any admission of Rafiq's central claim of racism, the club conceded on Thursday morning that "several of the allegations made by Azeem were upheld".

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Yorkshire said in a statement: "There were many allegations made against the club, most of which relate to a period more than 10 years ago.

"Many of the allegations were not upheld and for others there was insufficient evidence for the panel to make a determination.

"It is right, however, to acknowledge from the outset that several of the allegations made by Azeem were upheld and that sadly, historically, Azeem was the victim of inappropriate behaviour.

"This is clearly unacceptable. We would like to express our profound apologies for this.

"The Panel also found that the club failed to implement its policies and procedures in relation to these serious issues.

"The club understands the importance of the Panel's findings."

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Reacting to Yorkshire's announcement, Rafiq said on Twitter: "'Inappropriate behaviour' are you sure about that @YorkshireCCC?? You carry on playing with your words & fudging this best way possible. ITS NOT GOING AWAY!!"

Roger Hutton, appointed Yorkshire chair last year, issued a personal apology to Rafiq, a former England U19 captain who skippered the White Rose in a Twenty20 match in 2012.

Hutton said: "I would like to acknowledge Azeem's courage in raising these issues, and his participation in the investigation, which I understand must have been very difficult.

"I would also like to express my sincere apology to him for certain failings by the club, which have been highlighted by the panel.

"He has very obviously experienced some difficult and distressing times during the time since 2008 and the club could, and should, have supported him better.

"Since I joined the board in 2020, it has become obvious to me that both prior to and since, it has continually tried to improve its relationship with diverse communities.

"It has however not progressed far enough, particularly as we learn to see the world from fresh eyes, and I consider that this report will be a platform for further important changes at Yorkshire County Cricket Club."

ECB notes 'concern' over upheld complaints

In March, the ECB established the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) to examine issues relating to race and equity in the game.

On Thursday, it released a statement in relation to the Rafiq case, commending his "bravery" and noting its "concern" that some of the allegations were upheld.

ICEC chair Cindy Butts also said their own investigations around racism and wider discrimination in cricket will lead to a call for evidence in autumn, with a report expected to be published in the summer of 2022.

Butts said: "We commend Azeem Rafiq for the bravery he has shown in speaking up and shining a light on the racism he said he experienced as a Yorkshire Cricketer. We note with concern that the Independent Panel, chaired by Dr. Samir Pathak, concluded that several of the allegations made by Azeem were upheld and that he was the victim of inappropriate behaviour.

"We await a copy of the report but recognise both the pain and the distress of participating in an investigation into these matters. It is critical that Azeem, and others who gave evidence, receive appropriate support and we are seeking assurances that this is the case.

"The commission aims to conduct a thorough examination of how ECB-governed cricketing organisations approach complaints of racism and wider discrimination, and will consider the panel's report and its implications. We will be reaching out to Azeem and others to speak to us as part of our work to build the body of evidence needed to promote meaningful and sustainable changes to the game.

"Our call for evidence launches in the autumn 2021 and we are keen to hear from anyone who has experienced discrimination in cricket. We encourage all to take this opportunity to share their experiences and will provide opportunities to individuals to disclose both confidentially and anonymously to the commission.

"Our work will conclude in the summer 2022 wherein we will publish our final report with recommendations designed to make cricket a genuinely equal and inclusive sport."

Rafiq: Wait for report has been 'harrowing'

Azeem Rafiq spoke to Sky Sports on Wednesday - prior to the release of Yorkshire's statement - and talked about his disappointment at the length of time it has taken for the investigation to be completed and the negative effect the experience has had on his mental health.

"I think it's pretty disappointing with how the 12 months has panned out," he said.

"Yesterday was a year to the date of the Wisden article being published - and to still be here and waiting is disappointing.

"It feels like the 15 years before was one thing, but the last 12 months has been harrowing.

"I am not going to beat around the bush, it has been incredibly tough.

"Bearing in mind I sat in front of international television and talked about how it affected me mentally, the dark places it got me into - it's got me in those same places, if not worse at times, through this process."