Racism allegation on Azeem Rafiq: Yorkshire received 48 point deduction over racism against Azeem Rafiq and was fined by the independent Cricket Discipline Commission.
Yorkshire receives 48-point deduction over racism allegation on Azeem Rafiq
Yorkshire has been deducted 48 points in the County Championship, four points in the T20 blast, and fined £400,000 by the Cricket Discipline Commission due to racism at the club.
They admitted four amended charges of breaching ECB Directive 3.3 over the racism linked to Azeem Rafiq with the CDC panel holding a hearing to determine the sanction.
It was announced Yorkshire would be deducted 48 points immediately from the County Championship, due to which they were moved to the bottom of Division Two and four competition points from the Vitality Blast.
“These were serious charges relating to racism over a prolonged period,” ECB chief executive officer Richard Gould said.
“There can be no place for racism in our game, and the penalties announced by the Cricket Discipline Commission mark the end of a thorough disciplinary process.
“No one should have to experience what Azeem Rafiq went through in cricket, and we once again thank him for his courage in speaking out.”
In response to the announcement by the CDC panel about the fine, Yorkshire issued a statement that they have accepted the sanctions imposed on them, although expressed disappointment as they were given a point deduction for the 2023 season.
“We accept the sanctions against Yorkshire County Cricket Club imposed by the Cricket Discipline Commission,” a statement from Yorkshire read.
“We are disappointed to receive the points deductions which affect players and staff at the club who were not responsible for the situation.
“They have worked tirelessly on and off the field to rebuild Yorkshire into an inclusive and welcoming club that reflects the communities it serves. Greater clarity over our situation will allow us all now to look ahead.”
Gould recognized Yorkshire’s work as Rafiq spoke out about the experience of his and fellow players from Asian backgrounds while playing for the club.
“Since this hearing took place, the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket has published its report which demonstrates just how much there still is for our game to do in order to stamp out discrimination and become the inclusive sport we all want to be,” Gould said.
“We must work together as a game to learn from the events that led to this case, and to respond thoroughly to that report.
“We recognise that Yorkshire County Cricket Club has made significant progress since Azeem came forward, first under Lord Patel’s leadership and since then under its current management, and is committed to becoming an inclusive club.
“They have set the club on a path to a much brighter and more inclusive future, and we will continue to support the new leadership at Yorkshire to build on the progress made so far.”
Yorkshire continued that they will ensure the financial penalty would not affect their commitments around the match day experience at games and on the pathway of the players from that background mentioned earlier to become professional cricketers.
“There remains much to do, but we have made significant investments to put in place best practice processes and procedures, as well as driving equity, diversity and inclusion through a new framework and taking important steps to improve the matchday experience to encourage greater inclusivity and tackle discrimination,” a statement from the Yorkshire county club concluded.
“This is in addition to the real progress we have seen on our Performance Pathway, ensuring young cricketers from all backgrounds can participate, regardless of their economic circumstances.”
