Lord Patel praises Adil Rashid's "courage" following Michael Vaughan statement

The England and Yorkshire spinner corroborated Azeem Rafiq's allegation against Vaughan and also pledged to help stamp out the "cancer" of racism

Lord Patel has responded to Adil Rashid’s statement in support of Azeem Rafiq, praising the England and Yorkshire spinner’s courage.

In a statement released to The Cricketer, Rashid confirmed he heard Michael Vaughan question the number of players of Asian heritage in Yorkshire’s team in 2009 – an allegation Vaughan denies. He is the second player to corroborate Rafiq’s allegation, following Rana Naved-ul-Hasan’s statement on November 5.

Rashid also pledged to participate in any official investigation aimed at stamping out the "cancer" of racism.

In reply, Lord Patel said: "I am aware of the recent statement from Adil Rashid, and I welcome his courage in speaking up at what is a difficult and distressing time for all those who love this club and the sport of cricket.

"It is essential that those who have experienced or witnessed racism, discrimination and abuse are able to come forward to share their experiences. I have been in touch with Adil personally today so that we can talk through the issues as soon as he is ready and able."

^{Rafiq has alleged Vaughan said, "There are too many of you lot; we need to do something about it" in response to Yorkshire fielding four players of Asian heritage in 2009}

Addressing the upcoming Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing on November 16, he continued: "We welcome the formal meeting of the Digital, Culture, Media and sport select committee on sport governance, and I will be listening to the session with great interest to help us understand the past and address the many challenges which have come to light.

"It is right that the issues which were initially brought up by Azeem Rafiq, and the way in which they were handled, are properly examined by the committee. We have provided the committee with a copy of the full report, given its legal interest in the case.

"It is clear that we have handled this issue badly and the investigation was flawed. Azeem giving evidence is an important moment and, as a whistle-blower, he should be praised for speaking up. I have said from the outset that we need to listen and to learn in order to create urgent change at Yorkshire Country Cricket Club."

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