Azeem Rafiq

A controversy ignited after Sunil Gavaskar suggested Indian-owned franchises shouldn't sign Pakistani players, citing potential indirect financial contributions to India's adversaries. Pakistan-born England cricketer Azeem Rafiq fiercely condemned Gavaskar's remarks as "vile stuff." Franchise coaches defended player selections based on cricketing merit, while the BCCI stated no jurisdiction over foreign league decisions.

Abrar Ahmed's selection for The Hundred by Sunrisers Leeds has ignited a storm, drawing criticism from former IPL chairman Lalit Modi and sparking political debate. Despite backlash and Sunil Gavaskar's remarks, the franchise and sources close to the player emphasise cricketing merit and focus on his career, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting sports.

Yorkshire chairman Kamlesh Patel said Thursday he had received "phenomenally racist" letters following Azeem Rafiq's allegations of racist abuse and bullying while playing for the county. On the day Test cricket returned to Yorkshire's Headingley headquarters, Patel also revealed the county would have gone bust but for England playing in Leeds again.

Azeem Rafiq warned Yorkshire on Monday that his racism allegations against his former English county team will be "told to the world".

Former England pacer Tim Bresnan has apologised to Azeem Rafiq over his bullying claims but 'categorically denies' making any racist comments towards his ex-Yorkshire teammate.

Former England batsman Alex Hales denied on Wednesday there was "any racial connotation" in the name of his dog after allegations by ex-Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq.

The racism controversy at England county Yorkshire isn't dying down and in a latest, spinner Adil Rashid has confirmed that he heard former Three Lions skipper Michael Vaughan question the number of players of Asian heritage during an incident in 2009.

Professional Cricketers' Association chief executive Rob Lynch told British lawmakers on Tuesday that the organisation had made mistakes in how it dealt with Azeem Rafiq's allegations of racism against Yorkshire.

Former Yorkshire off-spinner Azeem Rafiq stood by his allegations that he faced racism during his time at the county club as investigation into his claims has begun.

Cricket commentator David Lloyd has apologised after Azeem Rafiq told a British parliamentary committee that the former England coach had made disparaging comments about Asian cricketers.

Former Yorkshire spinner Azeem Rafiq fears speaking out about racism in English cricket has made him unemployable. Rafiq, who is of Pakistani descent, told a British parliamentary committee in November about the discrimination he faced while at Yorkshire, saying the sport in England was "institutionally racist". "I never thought it would be easy. I thought it would be a few years down the line when I felt the full force of negativity from what I'd said," Rafiq, who would like to work as a coach or in the media, told Sky Sports.

Former England cricketer Azeem Rafiq has criticised Colin Graves' re-appointment as Yorkshire chair, urging sponsors to reconsider their association with the club. Rafiq, who faced racism during his time with Yorkshire, emphasized the need for accountability and the potential reversal of progress made in addressing the issue. Last year, Yorkshire faced severe consequences, including a £400,000 fine and a 48-point deduction in the County Championship, for failing to address systemic racism.

Former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq fought back tears as he told a committee of British lawmakers on Tuesday he felt "isolated and humiliated" by the racist treatment he received while playing for the club.

Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq said he was "driven out" of England after speaking about his experiences last year on the racism he faced at the county club and that he still lacks support from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Azeem Rafiq, whose allegations of racism at Yorkshire led to a series of reviews into the culture of the sport, is leaving England to protect his family from abuse and intimidation.

Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq has accused the club of institutional racism, claiming he was subjected to racist messages on social media after the club approved a loan offer from a consortium led by former chairman Colin Graves. Yorkshire was fined £400,000 and faced a 48-point deduction in the County Championship last year. Rafiq has been vocal in his opposition to Graves's return to the club, citing allegations of inadequate addressing racist and discriminatory language during his tenure.

Former Yorkshire spinner Azeem Rafiq and ex-head coach Andrew Gale are among five players who have been reprimanded by England's Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) for historical social media posts, the country's cricket board (ECB) said.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club were docked 48 points in the English County Championship on Friday after pleading guilty to four offences relating to the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal. The club was also penalised £400,000 ($514,000) by the independent Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC), with £300,000 suspended for two years.

Yorkshire South Premier League chairman Roger Pugh has described former England U-19 captain Azeem Rafiq, who has recently accused the County side of being institutionally racist, as "discourteous, disrespectful and very difficult" to deal with.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club apologised to former off-spinner Azeem Rafiq on Thursday after an investigation into allegations of racism found he was "the victim of inappropriate behaviour".