Cricketer Azeem Rafiq was reduced to tears this afternoon as he spoke to a committee of MPs in Westminster about the racist experiences he had suffered whilst at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
Speaking to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, the former all-rounder, ex-England U-19s and Yorkshire captain said that racial slurs had been used "constantly" whilst he played for Yorkshire and that English cricket is "institutionally"
He also told the committee that the club's treatment of him following the still-born death of his son in 2017 had been "inhuman".
He said that during his time at Headingley the word p*** was used "constantly", leaving him feeling “humiliated” and “isolated”.
“Pretty early on, me and other people from an Asian background…there were comments such as ‘you’ll sit over there near the toilets’, ‘elephant washers’.
"The word P*** was used constantly. And there just seemed to be an acceptance in the institution from the leaders and no one ever stamped it out."
He also told MPs on the committee about how aged 15 and a practising Muslim, he was pinned down by a senior cricket player who poured wine into his mouth.
He said he did not drink again until 2012, at which point he started in order to "fit in" at Yorkshire - adding that he "wasn't perfect" and was "not proud" of some of the things he did whilst under the influence of alcohol.
This, however, holds "no relation" to the relation he was subjected to whilst on the Yorkshire team, he added.
Mr Rafiq first filed a complaint of racism against the club in September 2020, which led to the Yorkshire Cricket Club launching its own internal investigation.
This report, however, ultimately concluded that the slurs used against him were 'banter' - sparking public outrage.
Mr Rafiq contested this today, saying "P*** is not banter, racism is not banter,”
“The game as a whole really has a problem in listening to the victim.
“It’s been gaslighting, it’s been ‘yeah but’.
“There is no 'yeah, but' to racism.”
In a wide-ranging testimony, Mr Rafiq also added that all he wanted to do was realise his "dream" of playing for England and that he was "in denial" about the scale of the issue up until 2014.
He also said that he thought "things had changed" when he returned in 2016, but the atmosphere became "toxic" when Gary Ballance took over as captain later in the year.
Mr Rafiq also said that racism was a problem in sport "up and down to country", before adding:
"If Yorkshire had seen this as an opportunity to become the leaders in the space, an opportunity to make a real difference in society and the game this could have gone a completely different direction".
Feature image - Parliament TV
Leeds
Myles Smith announces HUGE arena gig in Leeds this year
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Georgina Pellant -
16th November 2021 
