Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Ex-academy player alleges latest racist abuse at Yorkshire

Ex-academy player alleges latest racist abuse at Yorkshire

IN a latest racism allegation against Yorkshire, a former player at the academy said he was racially abused by a member of staff when he was a 16-year-old.

Irfan Amjad, who was later released from the club, claims a member of the staff used a term in reference to his Pakistani heritage to criticise his batting style.


In response to this latest allegation, Yorkshire said in a statement: "It is essential that those who have experienced racism, discrimination and abuse are able to come forward to share their experiences.

"We were unaware of this allegation until now but will investigate appropriately."

Amjad told this to the BBC after Azeem Rafiq detailed his experiences at the clun in September last year, forcing the club to set up an independent inquiry which in its report a year later said that the former player was a victim of "racial harassment and bullying" but decided not to discipline anyone.

Recalling that experience, Amjad told BBC: "On one occasion, we were playing a home game and I had played an attacking shot while batting, the ball went up in the air and I got caught out.

"I was making my way to the dressing room and as I got in, when I started taking my helmet and pads off, the individual came marching through the door and he looked me dead in the eyes."

At this moment the member of the staff made a racial reference to "typical shot" by those players of Pakistani heritage.

Amjad added: "And he just left. I was stunned, didn't know what to do and was shocked. I had never been directly racially insulted like that to my face. I didn't know what to do.

"Even before the incident I felt distant, it happened and then I felt isolated after that. Going forwards, I didn't feel I could speak up or give my views on the game in team meetings.

"It crosses your mind (reporting it) but I was a 16-year-old boy and I didn't know what to do. I kept it to myself.

"No-one else shared their experiences with me and I didn't share mine either. If I did open up, those that did experience similar issues may have opened up too."

After the summarised version of the report was published, Yorkshire's handling of the racism row has been criticised when ESPNcricinfo earlier this month reported how Rafiq was referred by a racist term about his heritage, but in the report it was concluded to be "friendly and good-natured banter".

Roger Hutton resigned as the club's chairman along with two others, with Lord Patel taking over, praising Rafiq's "bravery" as a whistleblower.

Before Amjad there was another unknown former player who alleged that he too was subjected to racist abuse at the club.

More For You

Dhoni-Tests-Getty

The ICC described Dhoni as someone who redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batter, bringing 'brute force and power-hitting' to a position traditionally filled by lower-order players. (Photo: Getty Images)

MS Dhoni among seven inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

FORMER India captain MS Dhoni has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2025, along with six other cricketers, including South Africa’s Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith, and two women players – former Pakistan captain Sana Mir and England’s Sarah Taylor.

Also inducted were Australia’s Matthew Hayden, New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, and England’s Taylor, who joins Mir as the only two women recognised this year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Keir Starmer had indicated last month that he would reverse the cuts. (Photo: Getty Images)

Government restores winter fuel benefit to 9 million pensioners after backlash

THE GOVERNMENT will reinstate winter fuel payments to millions of pensioners this year, reversing an earlier decision that had removed the benefit for most recipients in England and Wales. The move comes after months of criticism and political pressure on prime minister Keir Starmer.

After taking office in July, Starmer's Labour government had removed the winter fuel payments for all but the poorest pensioners as part of broader spending cuts.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sands Extends Special Father’s Day Support to Bereaved Fathers

The charity is encouraging individuals to honour a bereaved father with a special online dedication

iStock

This Father’s Day, Sands charity offers vital support to bereaved fathers

As Father’s Day approaches, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, Sands, is extending vital support to grieving fathers and their families. With Sunday, 15 June, likely to be a challenging day for many, the charity is making special efforts to ensure bereaved dads do not feel alone.

Sands has announced extended hours for its confidential Freephone Helpline (0808 164 3332), which will be open from 10 am to 12 pm on Father’s Day. This service offers a safe, non-judgmental space for those affected by pregnancy or baby loss to talk and seek support. Support is also available via email (helpline@sands.org.uk) and through the charity’s online community atwww.sands.community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kemi Badenoch

The Conservative leader said she asks people to remove face coverings—whether burqas or balaclavas—when they attend her surgeries. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Badenoch backs employers’ right to ban face coverings

KEMI BADENOCH has said she will not speak to women wearing burqas or other face coverings at her constituency surgery.

In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, the Conservative leader said she asks people to remove face coverings—whether burqas or balaclavas—when they attend her surgeries.

Keep ReadingShow less
Resident Evil: Requiem to Switch 2 — Biggest Summer Game Fest 2025 Reveals

From surprise drops to stunning trailers, Summer Game Fest 2025 lit up screens worldwide with unforgettable gaming moments

Youtube Screengrab

Resident Evil: Requiem, Switch 2 and Death Stranding 2: 10 biggest reveals from Summer Game Fest 2025

Forget just watching trailers because Summer Game Fest 2025 felt like getting sucker-punched by pure gaming hype. Midnight drops, world premieres that actually stunned us, moments that genuinely shook the community, this year’s show proved why gaming is still one of the most exciting places to be. Let’s dive into the ten moments that had everyone talking, sharing clips, and questioning what’s possible next.

1. Resident Evil: Requiem stole the show

Capcom closed the show with Resident Evil: Requiem (27 February 2026), a franchise reboot returning to Raccoon City with chilling realism. First came whispers of a “30th-anniversary project,” then, boom: Requiem. Returning Raccoon City to its rotted roots, this 27 February 2026 release promises sweat-beaded character models and a terror so vivid you’ll feel it in your bones. That fake-out tease from Jun Takeuchi? Pure genius, and fans are still reeling.

Keep ReadingShow less