On Tuesday, Rafiq gave evidence before the UK parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) panel and shared his experience of being racist while playing. for the Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC).
An investigation into the allegations found Rafiq experienced racial harassment and bullying during his time at the YCCC.
During the hearing, Rafiq described cricket’s racism problem as “worse than society” and said he would not trust the sport to take care of his children.
“I don’t want my son or daughter to get hurt,” he told CNN Sport’s Darren Lewis. “As a parent, there’s nothing worse than watching your child suffer in any way, and professional sports over the past few years has shown that these people get into the game at an early age. and the organizations that molded them into these characters.
“I wouldn’t leave my children with adults who don’t know how to deal with children.”
Despite Rafiq’s hour-long testimony and an admission from former YCCC chairman Roger Hutton that the club was institutionally racist, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Tom Harrison said ) has refused to label the YCCC as such.
When questioned by lawmakers, Harrison only said that British cricket “may” have let Rafiq down.
“I would like to say please understand that we really regret the experiences you may have had while trying out cricket in this country,” said Harrison.
“We know we may have let you down. We’ll fix it quickly. We know our sport’s survival depends on it. We’re going to transform this game very much. fast.”
Rafiq told CNN it was “disappointing to hear how the response was answered.”
“Roger Hutton describes Yorkshire [CCC] is ‘institutionally racist’ and I think it’s an opportunity for leaders in the game to really show that they get it,” added Rafiq.
“But I thinhk [again] The ECB showed yesterday they don’t understand. “
In response, an ECB spokesperson told CNN in a statement: “Azeem has shown incredible courage in speaking out, and we are appalled by what he has gone through. His evidence It’s incredible, and this has to be a turning point for our game.”
“We strongly condemn racism or discrimination of any kind and there is no place for it in our game. We are thoroughly investigating these events, will take action. necessary action and must draw lessons like a game.
“Azeem witness statements are an important part of our investigation,” it added. “On Friday, we’ll also come together to tackle these issues and find ways to improve our sport.”
Speaking to CNN after Rafiq’s testimony on Tuesday, former England cricketer Monty Panesar said the former Yorkshire cricketer was “really brave, determined and showed great courage” to speak out. the racism he faced in the sport.
“Over the coming years, we will see this as a time of significant change in cricket and society,” Panesar told CNN Sport’s Alex Thomas. “And Azeem Rafiq should be applauded for his brave comments.”
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