An independent report found Azeem Rafeeq to be the victim of “racial harassment and bullying”.
London, United Kingdom:
Former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq couldn’t hold back tears as he told British lawmakers on Tuesday he had lost his career to racism, detailing widespread discrimination during the match fought in England in a convincing testimony.
An independent report found the Pakistan-born player was the victim of “racial harassment and bullying” while playing for the district’s club but said it would not discipline anyone – a decision taken by the club. greeted with widespread skepticism.
Frustration for Yorkshire over the scandal has been severe, with sponsors carrying out a mass evacuation, resignations from top administrators, the suspension of a coach and club The ministry was banned from hosting lucrative international matches.
Tuesday’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing gave Rafiq the opportunity to speak to congressional protection of prerogatives – a freedom that protects him from executive action. legal action and he once recounted how he felt “isolated and humiliated”.
“Me and other people of Asian descent … had comments like ‘you’ll sit there near the toilet’, ‘elephant wash’,” said 30-year-old Rafiq.
“The word ‘Paki’ is used constantly. And there seems to be only one acceptance within the organization from the leaders and no one ever quenches it.”
The professional tennis player, who once dreamed of playing for England, said cricket has been ravaged by racism in its “top to bottom” institution.
– ‘Inhumane’ treatment –
Rafiq, a Muslim, also recounts his experience of being “pinned down” and forced to drink at the age of 15 while he was at his local cricket club.
And in a moving piece of evidence, which lasts nearly 100 minutes, he talks about Yorkshire’s “inhuman” treatment when his son was still born in 2017.
“They didn’t really mind that one day I was working out and I got a phone call saying there was no heart rate,” he said, his voice cracking.
Rafiq, who has played twice at Yorkshire, said: “Do I believe I lost my career because of racism? Yes.”
He also mentioned a number of former teammates, including former England internationals Matthew Hoggard, Tim Bresnan and Gary Ballance, who later remained in Yorkshire, used racial slurs against him.
“‘Kevin’ is what Gary uses to describe any person of color in a very derogatory way,” he said. “It’s an open secret in the England dressing room.”
Rafiq, who said he refused to sign a confidential form and receive a sum of money from Yorkshire, added 2005 Ashes winner Hoggard had apologized to him for his comments.
– ‘Hurt’ –
He also said he felt “hurt” that England Test captain Joe Root, who has spent his career at Yorkshire, has never witnessed anything of a discriminatory nature. race at the club.
“Rooty is a good man. He never used racist language,” Rafiq said.
“It breaks my heart because Rooty is Gary (Ballance)’s housemate and has participated in so many socials that I’m known as ‘Paki’.”
Rafiq also said former England player and coach David Lloyd had made insulting comments to him and Asian cricketers in general, such as “receiving subscriptions from players”. Asia is like spilling blood on stone”.
Lloyd apologized via Twitter on Tuesday, with his “private” statement in October 2020: “I deeply regret my actions and I offer my sincerest apologies to Azeem and the cricket community Asia for doing this, and any offenses caused.”
On Monday, current England mainstay Adil Rashid joined former Pakistan Test player Rana Naved-ul-Hasan alleging that former England captain Michael Vaughan spoke in front of a group of Yorkshire players. Ethnic Asian in 2009: “You guys are too much. , we need to do something about it.”
Vaughan has “unequivocally” denied making comment.
When asked about Vaughan, Rafiq said: “Michael might not remember it… the three of us, Adil, me and Rana all remember it.”
