Yorkshire defend search for new backers after backlash to Colin Graves' potential return

Charity Sporting Equals, which promotes ethnic diversity in UK Sport, have written an open letter criticising the impending reinstatement of Graves as club chair. However, Yorkshire said "no stone was left unturned" in their search

Yorkshire have said "no stone was left unturned" in trying to find new backers, after Colin Graves inched closer to becoming chair again.

There has been opposition to his return, with charity Sporting Equals, which promotes ethnic diversity in UK Sport, citing how the club had been fined for failing to address the racism shown to former offspinner Azeem Rafiq during Graves' first tenure. He was also criticised for describing the comments as 'banter'.

Graves was initially chair at Headingley between 2012–15, before he took on the same role as the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Yorkshire's options have been limited. Graves' family trust is owed £15m. The club rejected other options. Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley was reportedly in the frame, and there was also interest from India.

^{Colin Graves is in line to return as chair [Getty Images]}

"Yorkshire County Cricket Club and agents acting on our behalf have met with more than 350 interested parties to work through the validity of each and every genuine offer to refinance the club," the club said.

"No stone has been left unturned and a thorough and rigorous process has been conducted by the board to ensure the club stays operational for the benefit of its members, creditors and employees. We refute any assertion to the contrary."

Graves' return would need to be confirmed by members at an extraordinary general meeting.

Sporting Equals said in an open letter: "Cricket has been making an effort to combat racism over the past few years. Since Azeem Rafiq publicly exposed the deep systemic problems the ECB, among others, has taken action to address these issues.

"However, the potential reinstatement of Colin Graves as chairman of Yorkshire CCC would undermine the progress made. His reinstatement would send a message that emboldens those who perpetuate the myth that racism is simply banter, that it is enough to pay lip service to policies and procedures."

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