Azeem Rafiq: MPs to quiz Yorkshire about report into racism allegations

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Azeem Rafiq, a former England youth captain, captained Yorkshire in a Twenty20 fixture 2012

MPs are asking Roger Hutton, chairman of Yorkshire, to answer questions about how he handled a report that found Azeem Rafiq was a victim of racism and bullying at the club.

Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee says they want "a more complete explanation than we have had up to now".

Rafiq (30) claimed last year that he was close to suicide because of "institutional racism" in the club. External-link

An independent panel confirmed seven of the 43 allegations in a report.

Rafiq left Headingley in 2018 and Hutton apologized to him, stating that there was "no doubt" that he had been "the victim racial harassment" during his first stint at the club.

The club has recently stated that it will not discipline any employee, player or executive for harassment.

Julian Knight, chair of DCMS, stated that "we are extremely concerned about recent reports regarding the inaction against individuals following these findings."

"This is very concerning, and it's obvious that Yorkshire County Cricket Club still has questions to answer.

"We have closely followed developments in the club's handling the serious allegations made against Azeem Rafiq.

"We would like to see more transparency from YCCC – it is time for them answer their critics.

"We plan to call the DCMS chair before the DCMS committee to provide a more detailed explanation than what we have received so far."

DCMS added that "MPs are expected consider what actions should be followed."

"Senior management members of the club will also be invited"

Rafiq was sent a heavily redacted copy of the findings of his allegations. This was after Yorkshire missed Friday's 8 October deadline, by which an employment judge had ordered it to release it in its entirety.

According to the club, they provided a copy the report to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and are now "working with them in their investigation into the raised issues".