Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Yorkshire apologise after investigation finds Rafiq was victim of 'inappropriate behaviour'

AFTER an independent report upheld some of Azeem Rafiq's allegations, Yorkshire have issued 'profound apologies' to the former player of the county.

In a statement, Yorkshire said Rafiq was "the victim of inappropriate behaviour", which they have described as "clearly unacceptable".


But in response, Rafiq has accused the county of "fudging" his claim of institutional racism.

After the former player had alleged he suffered racist behaviour during his time at the club that also pushed him feeling suicidal - an independent investigation was commissioned by Yorkshire last September.

The panel of experts comprising of experts from the field of HR, sport, governance and employment law - submitted a final finding report to the club last weekend along with recommendations.

Yorkshire stopped short of any admission of Rafiq's central claim of racism, but conceded on Thursday (19) that "several of the allegations made by Azeem were upheld".

Yorkshire said in a statement: "There were many allegations made against the club, most of which relate to a period more than 10 years ago.

"Many of the allegations were not upheld and for others there was insufficient evidence for the panel to make a determination.

"It is right, however, to acknowledge from the outset that several of the allegations made by Azeem were upheld and that sadly, historically, Azeem was the victim of inappropriate behaviour.

"This is clearly unacceptable. We would like to express our profound apologies for this.

"The Panel also found that the club failed to implement its policies and procedures in relation to these serious issues.

"The club understands the importance of the Panel's findings."

Reacting to Yorkshire's announcement, Rafiq said on Twitter: "'Inappropriate behaviour' are you sure about that @YorkshireCCC?? You carry on playing with your words & fudging this best way possible. ITS NOT GOING AWAY!!"

Rafiq was a former England U19 captain who also captained Yorkshire in a Twenty20 match in 2012.

Roger Hutton, appointed Yorkshire chair last year, issued a personal apology to Rafiq and said: "I would like to acknowledge Azeem's courage in raising these issues, and his participation in the investigation, which I understand must have been very difficult.

"I would also like to express my sincere apology to him for certain failings by the club, which have been highlighted by the panel.

"He has very obviously experienced some difficult and distressing times during the time since 2008 and the club could, and should, have supported him better.

"Since I joined the board in 2020, it has become obvious to me that both prior to and since, it has continually tried to improve its relationship with diverse communities.

"It has however not progressed far enough, particularly as we learn to see the world from fresh eyes, and I consider that this report will be a platform for further important changes at Yorkshire County Cricket Club."

Before the release of the final report, Rafiq speaking to Sky Sports on Wednesday (18) said the "last 12 months has been harrowing".

Ian Watmore, the ECB's chair, said the governing body was looking forward to receiving a "copy of the report promptly" so it could decide what action is necessary.

More For You

Ed Sheeran joins AR Rahman for epic jam session in Chennai ahead of concert

Ed Sheeran and AR Rahman share a special moment ahead of Sheeran’s concert in Chennai

Instagram/arrameen

Ed Sheeran joins AR Rahman for epic jam session in Chennai ahead of concert

British pop icon Ed Sheeran, in the midst of his six-city India tour, made a special stop at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory in Chennai ahead of his concert on February 5. The two musical powerhouses came together for an impromptu jam session, with Sheeran performing his chart-topping hit Perfect alongside Rahman’s choir, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.

Rahman shared snapshots of their meeting on Instagram, including a cosy photo of himself, Sheeran, and his son AR Ameen lounging on a couch. Another image captured Rahman at his music console while Sheeran snapped a picture of the legendary composer. Rahman’s caption, cheekily crediting Sheeran for the “beautiful photos,” set social media ablaze with fans hoping for a future collaboration.


Keep ReadingShow less
Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' breaks records on Netflix, stuns global audiences

Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna light up the stage at the Pushpa 2 promotion event

Getty Images

Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' breaks records on Netflix, stuns global audiences

Just four days after its Netflix release, Pushpa 2: The Rule (Reloaded) has become a global sensation, breaking records and sparking conversations worldwide. Directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun, the Telugu action-drama has climbed to the number-one spot in seven countries and secured second place in Netflix’s global Non-English Movies category with 5.8 million views. Its high-octane action and Allu Arjun’s performance have left international audiences hooked.

The film’s mix of intense action, drama, and cultural flair has struck a chord with audiences well beyond India. One scene that has taken the internet by storm is the Jathara sequence, where Allu Arjun, draped in a saree, delivers a powerful dance before launching into an adrenaline-pumping fight. This merge of bold cultural flair and high-energy action has become the talk of the globe, with audiences both awed by its audacity and questioning its over-the-top execution. While some praised its creativity, calling it “better than modern US movies,” others questioned its physics-defying stunts, with comments like, “How does he fly so high without wings?”

Keep ReadingShow less
Aga-Khan-Getty

Over the years, the Aga Khan became both a prominent philanthropist and a business magnate, balancing religious leadership with global development work. (Photo: Getty Images)

Aga Khan, Ismaili Muslim leader and philanthropist, dies at 88

HIS HIGHNESS Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community and head of a vast philanthropic network, died on Tuesday at the age of 88.

His Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili religious community announced that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passed away in Portugal, surrounded by his family.

Keep ReadingShow less
Marvel’s Fantastic Four teaser transports fans to the 1960s in a daring new take

Marvel fans react to a puzzling sound choice in the first teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Instagram/fantasticfour

Marvel’s Fantastic Four teaser transports fans to the 1960s in a daring new take

Marvel’s first teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has fans buzzing, not just about the iconic superhero team, but about the film’s decision to root itself firmly in the 1960s. The 20-second clip, devoid of the main cast, offers a glimpse into a bygone era, with a group of children rushing to a storefront to watch the Fantastic Four’s space shuttle launch on a vintage television. This period-piece approach sets the stage for a fresh take on Marvel’s first family, blending retro aesthetics with the cosmic origins of the team.

The teaser’s 1960s setting is a deliberate departure from previous adaptations, which have struggled to capture the essence of the original comics. By anchoring the story in the decade of the Fantastic Four’s creation, Marvel seems to be paying homage to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s groundbreaking work. The choice also opens up intriguing narrative possibilities, such as exploring how the team’s emergence impacts a world on the brink of the space race and cultural revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lucy Letby

Letby, 35, is serving 15 whole-life sentences for the deaths of babies at neo-natal units in northwest England between 2015 and 2016.

Review launched into Lucy Letby case after experts challenge evidence

A REVIEW has been launched into the case of Lucy Letby, a nurse sentenced to life imprisonment for killing seven newborn babies, as medical experts argue there was no evidence to support her conviction.

Letby, 35, is serving 15 whole-life sentences for the deaths of babies at neo-natal units in northwest England between 2015 and 2016. She was convicted of murdering seven newborns and attempting to kill seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital, making her the most prolific child serial killer in modern UK history.

Keep ReadingShow less