Azeem Rafiq was the victim of inappropriate behaviour, concludes Yorkshire

It was only in September 2020 that former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq claimed that he went on to attempt suicide because of facing inappropriate behavior during his stint with the County. He accused Yorkshire of being institutionally racist but added that his reports were being ignored back at that time.

After Azeem’s complaints, the sub-committee appointed by Yorkshire county’s cricket board investigated the matter and the results turned to be shocking. The club concluded that the spinner did face inappropriate and racist behavior during his long stint with the club between 2008-2018. Though the independent investigation in the same matter was done by international law firm Squire Patton Boggs, an independent panel also had a look at the matter.

The same panel was headed by Dr. Samir Pathak who is a trustee of the MCC Foundation and also a member of the MCC Cricket Committee. He looked into the matter to maintain its integrity and came up with his own finding which he suggested to the club so that further actions could take place. It has to be noted that the club issued a formal apology to Azeem Rafiq after its findings.

We would like to express our profound apologies to Azeem Rafiq, read the club’s statements

“It is inevitable that there is much to digest and we shall have to take advice on the contents of the report. We are mindful that in a process of this nature we have a duty of care to all who participated, and we must not breach that duty. We aim to publish as much of the report and recommendations as we are able, subject to any legal restraints on doing so, in the coming weeks,” the club said in a statement.

“There were many allegations made against the Club most of which relate to a period more than ten 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,” added the club.