Colin Graves' return to Yorkshire could revive racism scandal which left club in ruin
Colin Graves has apologised "personally and unreservedly" to those who experienced racism at Yorkshire County Cricket after the club's board approved a loan offer that paves the way for his controversial return as chair.
Thursday 11 January 2024 15:00, UK
For Azeem Rafiq, the cricket racism epidemic he exposed is far from being consigned to the past.
There are constant reminders of the abuse he suffered at Yorkshire with victims of abuse in the sport.
"I've had other people as close as this morning send me messages," Rafiq told Sky News on Monday.
"I've had people contact me from different clubs as well.
"The one thing is this does actually help a lot of others because it keeps everyone's eyes at Yorkshire.
"This is not just a Yorkshire problem."
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Colin Graves apologises to victims - and appears set for return to Yorkshire County Cricket Club
English cricket condemned as racist, sexist and classist
But the Yorkshire problems have been revived by the impending return of Colin Graves as chairman after nine years.
He led English cricket's most successful county during a period when racism was suffered by Rafiq and other teammates of Asian heritage.
And even after Yorkshire admitted four England and Wales Cricket Board charges linked to the failure to adequately address discrimination, Graves was dismissive of the problem.
"Banter" was how he dismissed the abuse as recently as June.
It has taken until now - seven months later - to adopt a different tone. To show contrition for his downplaying of the scandal. And to apologise for the racism that went unchecked on his watch.
The expression of regret has only come now he is trying to convince Yorkshire members - amid a growing political backlash - to accept his return as chairman.
There is a sense it's Graves or bust.
The scandal that saw Yorkshire fined and docked points has not only left the club's reputation in ruin but also its finances.
And with £15m owed to Graves through a family trust, Yorkshire has given the impression this is the best offer to safeguard its survival.
But at what cost?
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Read more: English cricket condemned as racist, sexist and classist
How, Rafiq asked, could Graves be considered fit and proper to run Yorkshire by the ECB which he chaired from 2015 to 2020?
"It makes me ask real questions of whether governance is fit for purpose in sport and cricket specifically," Rafiq said. "And whether the leaders are actually genuinely interested in doing the uncomfortable changes."
Rafiq himself has apologised for racism - issuing swift regret when past antisemitic comments were revealed in 2021.
The ECB has insisted it is committed to implementing an action plan to tackle racism.
But Rafiq said: "You told us it was zero tolerance. You told us all these things were going to change. That's what the game told us. I've seen no evidence of that."