Michael Vaughan to Matthew Hoggard: Players Azeem Rafiq has accused of racism

#6 Why Rafiq is disappointed in “good man” Joe Root

England Test captain Joe Root. Pic: Getty Images

Rafiq described current England Test captain Joe Root as a “good man”. However, he lamented the batter’s statement in which he claimed that he never heard anyone making racist comments at Yorkshire.

Expressing disappointment over the England batter’s claim, Rafiq commented:

“Joe Root is a good man. He never engaged in any racist language. But Rooty was Ballance’s flatmate and was involved in those social nights out where I was called a ‘P***’. He might not remember but it shows how normal it was that even a good man like him doesn’t see it for what it is.”

Rafiq admitted that he was incredibly hurt by Root’s denial to admit the rot at Yorkshire with regards to racism.

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#7 Cheteshwar Pujara was referred to as "Steve" in a racial context

Team India batter Cheteshwar Pujara. Pic: Getty Images

Explaining why he felt Yorkshire was institutionally racist, Rafiq pointed out that Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara was referred to as “Steve”, a racist slur, during his time at the club.

According to Rafiq, players of Asian origin were given a standard nickname “Steve” at YCC. He claimed that it was Jack Brooks who started calling the Indian batter “Steve”.

The 30-year-old further alleged that not just the players Yorkshire Post, Yorkshire website, Yorkshire Twitter page and even commentators called Pujara “Steve”. The Indian cricketer had admitted in 2018 that he wasn’t comfortable with his Yorkshire teammates, referring to him as “Steve.” However, Pujara did not find any racist connotation to it.

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#8 Tim Bresnan "frequently made racist comments"

Former England pacer Tim Bresnan. Pic: Getty Images

Rafiq was also scathing in his criticism of former England pacer Tim Bresnan. The former cricketer claimed Bresnan was a regular at passing racist remarks. Rafiq added that he was among the six or seven players who had complained against the pacer back in 2017.

While Bresnan has apologized to the former off-spinner, he has denied claims of being a racist. His statement read:

“For any part I played in contributing to Azeem Rafiq's experience of feeling bullied at Yorkshire, I apologise unreservedly. Following the publication of Azeem's witness statement from the employment tribunal, which I saw for the first time this afternoon, I must though categorically deny his accusation that I 'frequently made racist comments'.”

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#9 “Aggressive and rude” Andrew Gale

Rafiq alleged that former Yorkshire captain and current coach Andrew Gale was often rude towards him. According to the 30-year-old, this wasn’t how he treated white players. Rafiq revealed that, Gale, who is Bresnan’s brother-in-law – would call him a “p***” and “Raffa the Kaffir”.

Rafiq added that he got no support from YCCC or Andrew after the death of his son in 2018 following a “very complicated and difficult pregnancy." Gale was recently suspended for a historic tweet that he sent out in 2010.

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#10 “Martyn Moxon ripped the shreds off me”

Yorkshire’s director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, has been signed off from work due to a stress-related illness. Hitting out at Moxon, Rafiq claimed that he did nothing to stop racism at the club. He further alleged that following the death of his son, he received no condolences but was instead ripped apart by Moxon.

Rafiq recalled the day he returned to the club after his son’s death and said:

“Martyn Moxon literally got me in a room and ripped the shreds off me. I’ve never seen him speak to anyone like that through my time at the club. I couldn’t believe it.”