Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Rafiq suggests he will go public with accusations against Yorkshire

AZEEM RAFIQ has now suggested that his allegations against Yorkshire will be "told to the world".

Last Friday Yorkshire released the findings and recommendations of an independent panel report, where the club admitted of the former player being a victim of racial abuse and bullying.


The independent panel had upheld seven of Rafiq's 43 allegations, but said there was insufficient evidence to prove the club was institutionally racist.

Rafiq and his team has described this handling of the process as "atrocious" and in a Twitter post on Monday (13) wrote: "I always said to the leaders in our game their (sic) will be a point/morning where I wake when I just can't take it anymore.

"Not taking it anymore won't mean I will leave it and walk away. It will purely mean everything that has happened to date - from people being dishonest about what took place in return for positions/jobs, to attempts to create evidence - will be told to the world and let them decide whether YCCC is institutionally racist."

Rafiq, 30, played for Yorkshire between 2008 and 2014 before returning for a two-year spell in 2016, where he was not provided with halal food at matches, something which has now been rectified.

There were three instances of racist language being used prior to 2012, the report found, and that a former coach “regularly used” racist language in 2012.

During Rafiq’s second spell, jokes around religion were made and a reference to the player’s weight and fitness was made, the report said. The club said it should have done more to make Muslims feel more welcome and dealt better with complaints of racist or anti-social behaviour.

“It is a matter of sincere regret that the good work of so many people at the Club – both with Azeem and in our efforts to build an inclusive and welcoming cricket club representing the best of all of Yorkshire – is at risk of being overshadowed by the behaviour and remarks of a few people,” chairman of the club, Roger Hutton had said in a statement.

England Test captain Joe Root had also expressed sympathy for Rafiq and said it "hurts" to see his former teammate.

“I can’t really speculate or comment too much on a report I have not seen. But, as a former teammate and friend, it’s hard to see Azeem hurting as he is,” Root had said.

“More than anything, it just shows that there is a lot of work we have to do in the game… it’s a societal issue in my opinion… as a sport, we have got to keep trying to find ways of making sure this isn’t a conversation that keeps happening.”

In his Twitter post on Monday (13), Rafiq added: "I feel lucky to be alive but I won't test my resolve any longer.

"For all you people who are victims of racist abuse or any type of discrimination, I have tried my upmost best to give you all a voice but unfortunately the system just wants to choke us and finds allies and money to do that.

"I don't know if we will ever get the respect we deserve or ever be treated the same as our white counterparts in our lifetime. I just hope everything I have put me and my family through will result in me and my grandkids feeling like cricket is a game for everyone.

"I mention above about a point/morning will come well I think that morning has arrived. I AM DONE!!!!"

Rafiq clarified his position in a later post, saying: "I am no way leaving the fight or walking away from this subject. I am just merely stating I have tried to handle it without it getting as big as it as.

"I am now looking for the right platform to end my pain by speaking out in full with names, dates and every inch of detail.

"I need and deserve CLOSURE and it's clear that won't come because the game wants it to stay as it is and not be welcoming to people from all walks of life."

More For You

BAPS opens largest Hindu temple and cultural hub of southern hemisphere in Johannesburg

BAPS Hindu temple and cultural complex in Johannesburg

BAPS opens largest Hindu temple and cultural hub of southern hemisphere in Johannesburg

Eastern Eye

THE largest Hindu temple and cultural complex in the southern hemisphere was unveiled in Johannesburg last Sunday (2) with scores of worshippers participating in a ceremony to mark the occasion.

Although fewer than two per cent of South Africans identify as Hindu, it is the most followed religion among the country’s Indian community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rekesh Chauhan brings Indian classical-jazz fusion to Liverpool International Jazz Festival

Rekesh Chauhan

Rekesh Chauhan brings Indian classical-jazz fusion to Liverpool International Jazz Festival

ALTHOUGH he is an accomplished composer, British pianist Rekesh Chauhan BEM is at his very best in front of a live audience.

The multi-award-winning music maestro joins top tabla player Kousic Sen for a concert at this year’s Liverpool International Jazz Festival, taking place at The Capstone Theatre in Liverpool on February 22. The versatile duo will explore the dynamic intersection of Indian classical music and jazz in the culturally rich Beyond Roots show.

Keep ReadingShow less
5 best wireless headphones in 2025:Top picks for every budget in the UK

Discover the top wireless headphones of 2025 for every lifestyle and budget

iStock

5 best wireless headphones in 2025:Top picks for every budget in the UK

Wireless headphones are no longer just a luxury; they’re a lifestyle essential. Whether you’re blasting your favourite playlist on your morning commute across London, tuning out distractions while working from home, or hitting the gym, the right pair can make all the difference. But with countless options flooding the market, how do you choose? Don’t worry—we’ve done the hard work for you. From premium noise-cancelling powerhouses to wallet-friendly gems, here are the five best wireless headphones to elevate your audio game in 2025. Here’s our list:

1. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 (2025 Edition): A standout choice for UK audiophiles, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 combines British craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Known for their luxurious design and exceptional sound quality, these over-ear headphones feature enhanced noise cancellation and up to 35 hours of battery life. Whether you’re navigating the Tube or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the Px8 delivers a rich, immersive listening experience.

Keep ReadingShow less
india-england-odi-BCCI

India handed ODI debuts to opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and fast bowler Harshit Rana. (Photo credit: BCCI)

England bat first in ODI opener as Kohli sits out

ENGLAND captain Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to bat against India in the first of three one-day internationals in Nagpur on Thursday.

India were without Virat Kohli, who missed out due to a sore right knee.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bank-of-England-Getty
A general view of the Bank of England on December 19, 2024 in London. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Bank of England set to reduce interest rate amid weak growth

THE BANK OF ENGLAND is expected to cut its key interest rate on Thursday as it seeks to support weak economic growth, even though inflation remains above target.

Analysts predict the central bank will reduce borrowing costs by a quarter point to 4.50 per cent at its first rate meeting of the year.

Keep ReadingShow less