Yorkshire launch investigation amid Azeem Rafiq racism allegations

Chairman Roger Hutton insists the club's attempts to improve diversity are "not perfect" after coming under fire for the treatment of their former captain

• Former off-spinner Azeem Rafiq accuses Yorkshire of "institutional racism"

County cricket's most successful club Yorkshire have begun a full investigation into allegations of institutional racism made by former captain Azeem Rafiq.

In three separate interviews, the 29-year-old has claimed he was subject to insulting language relating to his heritage and background.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo he admitted the abuse had led to thoughts of suicide.

Yorkshire have made contact with the Rafiq regarding the comments and have committed to an inquiry involving independent parties.

Club chairman Roger Hutton said: "We fully acknowledge that just as in many walks of life, sport, including cricket and Yorkshire as a club, must do better to fully promote a culture of zero tolerance to racism or any form of prejudice.

"We accepted a long time ago that change was needed at Headingley to improve diversity, especially in terms of racial inclusivity. 

"Since 2014 we’ve prioritised community engagement with numerous groups right across the county, and across many cultures and ethnicities. 

"While as an organisation we’ve made real efforts to that end, we are not perfect and it’s a work in progress.

"As a player and former captain, Azeem was extremely highly respected and well regarded by the club and its supporters alike.

^{Rafiq spent 10 years as a professional at Headingley}

"The future direction of our organisation’s culture will be best-shaped with the understanding and the input of players, staff and supporters from all minorities and genders, and we will continue this process with the formal investigation that will start in a matter of days and be conducted thoroughly, impartially, and with urgency."

A subsequent ECB statement read: “We are deeply troubled to hear of Azeem Rafiq’s experiences and recognise the courage it has taken for him to speak out. 

“The ECB welcomes Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s commitment to thoroughly and urgently investigate this case and the wider review of club policies and culture. We will follow these closely and are in contact with the club and with Azeem. We will consider any further ECB steps which may be appropriate.

“Azeem’s story is similar to some of the experiences we have heard about during the Black Lives Matter movement and demonstrates how much work is needed across the game, sport and society as a whole to eradicate racism.

“The ECB is opposed to discrimination of any form and remains committed to making the changes needed to make cricket a game for everyone.’’

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