Captain New Zealand Kane Williamson hoping for “healing” at his former team Yorkshire on the eve of Tuesday’s Test against England. Almost moved out of county Headingley headquarters because of a series of racial segregation. Former off-spinner player born in Pakistan Azeem Rafiq first made allegations of racism and bullying in September 2020, in connection with his two spells in Yorkshire. Rafiq gave evidence to a parliamentary committee last year, sparking increased pressure on Yorkshire over its failure to take any previous disciplinary action.
That eventually led to the mass removal of senior figures on the board and coaching staff.
The England and Wales Cricket Council also threatened to pull lucrative internationals from Headingley unless changes were made.
Reforms pushed by new chairman Kamlesh Patel averted what could be a financial disaster for Yorkshire.
But the matter remains inconclusive, with the ECB disciplinary allegations against the club and “several individuals”, who officials have yet to name.
Last month, the former Yorkshire coach Andrew Gale won an unfair dismissal claim, leaving the club facing the prospect of paying compensation.
Williamson, who played for Yorkshire as an overseas signing between 2014 and 2018, was uncommitted when asked if he had witnessed specific incidents of racist abuse during club time or not.
But the polisher says he hopes some good will emerge from Rafiq’s testimony.
Williamson said: “It’s extremely sad to see what’s going on. “I can only hope that something positive comes out of it and the perception that it’s made to move forward in a positive way.
“There is no space for racism or discrimination in sport or society. I have been here for a few short jobs and enjoyed my time in Yorkshire.
“There are some problems that have been realized more recently and you can only hope that there is a cure.
“There’s been a huge amount of awareness around the world, efforts to continue that awareness and make it a more inclusive place, whether in sport or other workplaces.”
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When asked about the issue of racism, the England captain Ben Stokes said his side understands that they have “responsibility on the field, as well as off the field”.
Stokes’ men will aim to wipe out a series of three Tests, having won both previous games by five defeats, when the clash kicks off in Leeds on Thursday.
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