Yorkshire accept Azeem Rafiq was victim of racial harassment but report deems club is not institutionally racist

YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club has admitted that Azeem Rafiq was “the victim of racial harassment” and “bullying” after an independent investigation failed to uphold his central claim that the club is institutionally racist.

By Chris Waters

(YORKS HIRE EVENING POST) In announcing the findings of a year-long investigation into Rafiq’s allegations, which the former player claimed drove him to the brink of suicide, Roger Hutton, the Yorkshire chairman, apologised profusely.

“There is no question that Azeem Rafiq, during his first spell as a player at YCCC, was the victim of racial harassment,” he said.

“He was also subsequently the victim of bullying.

“On behalf of all at YCCC, I wish to extend my sincere, profound and unreserved apologies to Azeem and to his family.”

Hutton said there were more than 40 allegations made against the club by Rafiq, seven of which were upheld.