Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Azeem Rafiq criticises ECB's ‘flimsy’ plans to address racism

The former Yorkshire cricketer welcomed some proposed initiatives as “a step in the right direction�

Azeem Rafiq criticises ECB's ‘flimsy’ plans to address racism

FORMER Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq, whose allegations of institutional racism at Yorkshire rocked English cricket, said the ECB’s response to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) on Monday was inadequate.

“I expected the threemonth response to be detailed and clear with strong commitments. Unfortunately, from what I’ve read, it falls incredibly short and it’s flimsy at best,” Rafiq said. “How independent is the new regulator? We don’t have any detail about it... There are a couple of positives with commitments around women’s cricket and match-fee equalisation, that should be the bare minimum.


“These commitments are important, but is it going to solve the other issues that led us here in the first place? I don’t think it will.”

Rafiq welcomed some proposed initiatives as “a step in the right direction”. However, he questioned whether the actions would “stop the overt racism that I experienced”.

“People are still getting in touch about experiences and really struggling to know where to go and who to trust. A stronger response today would have helped change that.”

Despite Rafiq’s reservations, other prominent figures felt the ECB had taken positive steps to change the culture of the game.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali said: “The ECB have been trying for a while, but probably haven’t got it right. But now, finally, they have got it right with the projects they are starting to invest in. It’s a great opportunity for more people and more diverse people and it’s exactly what we want in this country, that sport and cricket is for everybody.”

The Yorkshire chief execuive, Stephen Vaughan, added: “While there is still a long way to go and much to be done, we are committed to our mission and will work with the ECB to do everything we can to learn from the past and use our hardearned experience to help support other clubs on the journey to improving standards across the game and making cricket a sport for everyone.”

More For You

Starmer

Starmer, who has faced negative coverage since taking office in July 2024, defended the appointment process.

Reuters

Starmer: I would not have appointed Mandelson if aware of Epstein ties

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer said on Monday he would not have appointed Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington had he known the extent of his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This was Starmer’s first public statement since dismissing Mandelson last week. The prime minister is facing questions over his judgement, including from Labour MPs, after initially standing by Mandelson before removing him from the post.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump

Trump said the suspect had been arrested earlier for 'terrible crimes,' including child sex abuse, grand theft auto and false imprisonment, but was released under the Biden administration because Cuba refused to take him back.

Getty Images

Trump says accused in Dallas motel beheading will face first-degree murder charge

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has described Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager killed in Dallas, as a “well-respected person” and said the accused will face a first-degree murder charge.

Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed last week at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented Cuban immigrant with a criminal history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer Mandelson

Starmer talks with Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Getty

Starmer under pressure from party MPs after Mandelson dismissal

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer is facing questions within the Labour party after the sacking of US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Mandelson was removed last week after Bloomberg published emails showing messages of support he sent following Jeffrey Epstein’s conviction for sex offences. The dismissal comes just ahead of US president Donald Trump’s state visit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

Officials greet newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government Sushila Karki (R) as she arrives at the prime minister's office in Kathmandu on September 14, 2025. (Photo by PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

NEPAL’s new interim prime minister Sushila Karki on Sunday (14) pledged to act on protesters’ calls to end corruption and restore trust in government, as the country struggles with the aftermath of its worst political unrest in decades.

“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” Karki said in her first address to the nation since taking office on Friday (12). “What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality. We will not stay here more than six months in any situation. We will complete our responsibilities and hand over to the next parliament and ministers.”

Keep ReadingShow less
UK secures £1.25bn US investment ahead of Trump’s visit

US president Donald Trump and UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer arrive at Trump International Golf Links on July 28, 2025 in Balmedie, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

UK secures £1.25bn US investment ahead of Trump’s visit

THE British government has announced over £1.25 billion ($1.69bn) in fresh investment from major US financial firms, including PayPal, Bank of America, Citigroup and S&P Global, ahead of a state visit by president Donald Trump.

The investment is expected to create 1,800 jobs across London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester, and deepen transatlantic financial ties, the Department for Business and Trade said.

Keep ReadingShow less