Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Ex-skipper Rafiq claims 'racist' abuse in Yorkshire career

Former Yorkshire captain Azeem Rafiq went public on Friday with details of the racist abuse he said he suffered during his time at Headingley.

Prior to making a verbal submission to an investigation into institutional racism at one of English cricket's leading county clubs -- an inquiry set up in response to his previous allegations -- Rafiq issued a detailed statement via his lawyers on Friday.


The statement included complaints of non-white players being called "Pakis" and "elephant washers", as well as being told to "go back to where you came from."

Rafiq also made allegations that a "drinking culture" at the club worked against Muslim cricketers whose religion prohibits them from consuming alcohol.

The 29-year-old Rafiq, once the youngest captain in Yorkshire's history, had previously described how his experiences had left him feeling suicidal and led to his early exit from the professional game.

"I have spoken out about the racism I faced because I don't want kids to go through what I did," Rafiq said Friday.

"I want to see kids starting off their journey in cricket in a culture of acceptance and respect, where they are judged on their talent and not on their culture and identity.

"I hope that the investigation will result in meaningful change at the club and in the sport."

Yorkshire replied with a statement of their own.

"We have taken the claims made by our former player, Azeem Rafiq, very seriously and a full investigation conducted by an independent law firm, began in September," the statement said.

"We realise that that this is a difficult time for all parties involved but it is important that these matters are investigated thoroughly and swiftly.

"Racism has no place in our society or in cricket and we are hopeful that the outcome of this investigation and the recommendations of the panel will drive positive progress which can be shared by all."

More For You

Archer-Getty

Playing his first Test in over four years, Archer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal with just his third ball. (Photo: Getty Images)

Bumrah claims five at Lord’s as Archer strikes early on Test return

JOFRA ARCHER made an early breakthrough on his return to Test cricket at Lord’s on Friday, while India captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for a low score on the second day of the third Test.

Playing his first Test in over four years, Archer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal with just his third ball. Later, Gill, who had scored 585 runs in four innings in the series including three centuries, was caught behind for 16.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Alcaraz

Alcaraz has won 35 of his 38 matches on grass, including 20 in a row at Wimbledon since losing to Sinner in the fourth round in 2022.

Getty Images

Alcaraz beats Fritz to enter third straight Wimbledon final

 

Highlights:

 
     
  • Carlos Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz in four sets to reach his third Wimbledon final in a row.
  •  
  • The match was played in extreme heat, with on-court temperatures nearing 32 degrees Celsius.
  •  
  • Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 24 matches, the longest of his career.
  •  
  • He is aiming to become the fifth man in the Open era to win three straight Wimbledon titles.

CARLOS Alcaraz reached his third consecutive Wimbledon final on Friday with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) win over American fifth seed Taylor Fritz.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India flight crash
Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
Getty Images

Air India crash probe finds fuel to engines was cut off before impact

Highlights

 
     
  • Fuel to both engines of the Air India flight was cut off seconds before the crash
  •  
  • A pilot was heard questioning the other over the cut-off; both denied initiating it.
  •  
  • The Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people.
  •  
  • Investigators are focusing on fuel switch movement; full analysis may take months.

FUEL control switches to both engines of the Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff were moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position seconds before the crash, according to a preliminary investigation report released early Saturday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chinese vessel tracked in Bay of Bengal after disabling identification system

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have consistently reported Chinese research vessel presence. (Representational image: Getty Images)

Chinese vessel tracked in Bay of Bengal after disabling identification system

A Chinese research vessel was detected operating in the Bay of Bengal near Indian waters while attempting to conceal its presence by disabling its Automatic Identification System (AIS), according to a report by The Economic Times, citing French maritime intelligence firm Unseenlabs.

The French company conducted a 16-day satellite-based survey tracking ships through radio frequency emissions. It monitored 1,897 vessels, with 9.6 per cent showing no AIS activity, indicating attempts to avoid detection. The survey raised concerns amid increased Chinese activity in the region.

Keep ReadingShow less