Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Racism in cricket: Lord Patel says some at Yorkshire Club still in denial

Racism in cricket: Lord Patel says some at Yorkshire Club still in denial

YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club chair Lord Kamlesh Patel said a “very small minority” of people at the organisation are still in denial about what went wrong with it.

Yorkshire members approved a package of reforms last month following a racism scandal, paving the way for lucrative England matches to be played at their Headingley ground this season.

Former spin bowler Azeem Rafiq had accused Yorkshire of failing to deal adequately with the abuse he suffered while playing for the county side, saying he had been driven to thoughts of suicide.

In November, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) suspended the club's right to stage international matches following a report on racism and bullying.

Rafiq’s revelations led to a mass clear-out of senior boardroom figures and coaching staff at the county's Headingley headquarters in Leeds, while Lord Patel has become the face of a fresh regime.

"There is a very small minority who believe nothing was wrong here and wish to return to those days. That is my fear, that those people continue to believe that," Lord Patel told the BBC on Friday (13).

"I have met thousands of people here who are genuine, good people who want to do the right thing. You have to believe the majority of people here want to do the right thing and go in the right direction."

Rafiq took social media to endorse Lord Patel’s view.

“Some people just can’t be helped,” he tweeted.

More For You

India vs South Africa

Smriti Mandhana plays a shot as South Africa's wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta watches during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 ODI final between India and South Africa in Navi Mumbai on November 2, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

India bat first against South Africa after rain delay in Women’s World Cup final

SOUTH AFRICA captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and chose to field first against India in the Women’s World Cup final, which began after a rain delay in Mumbai on Sunday. Both teams are aiming for their maiden title.

Thousands of fans in Indian jerseys filled the stands at the DY Patil Stadium, which has a capacity of 45,000, as the start was pushed back on a wet afternoon. The toss was delayed by two hours, but no overs were lost in the 50-over match.

Keep ReadingShow less