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
A new Turkish-inspired street food spot serving homemade shawarma is coming to Leeds city centre
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Georgina Pellant -
16th November 2021 
