Azeem Rafiq claims he felt ‘incredibly hurt’ when Joe Root said he had no memory of racist incidents at Yorkshire.
England captain Root also spoke out on the subject and issued a statement to the nation on Thursday. Root stated that the issue had “fractured our game” and “tore lives apart”.
Root is in Australia as the Test team’s Ashes leader. This statement was issued after weeks of increasing pressure from the club that he represents since childhood.
Rafiq responded to Root’s comments on Thursday with this tweet: “Disappointed isn’t even the feeling.” It is incredibly hurt. However, it is difficult to believe that uncomfortable truths can be accepted.
Root’s former teammate Rafiq has been found to be subject to racist harassment and bullying by an independent investigation. Other allegations have since emerged, triggering additional investigations.
Root (third right) pictured next to Rafiq (second right) and Gary Ballance (right) after a county match in 2012 between Yorkshire and Essex – Ballance has since admitted calling Rafiq ‘P***’ while on Thursday, Root said he does not recall the allegations of racism Rafiq has made
Rafiq quickly took to Twitter to express his dismay at Root’s remarks
Root from England is on his way to Australia for preparations. On Thursday, Root spoke out and issued a statement about the scandal in Yorkshire
Root was asked Thursday if he recognized the reports of incidents of racism.
“Not that you can remember me, no, but I can’t,” he replied. He said, “But it is evident that there have been some problems at the club. It must be fixed.”
“We seek to ensure that this does not happen again in the sport.
“I spent many hours reflecting back on the past. Only my own personal experiences can speak for me. It is disappointing that we are now stuck in this situation. We need to make a move.
It comes as last week, Root’s Yorkshire and former England team-mate Gary Ballance admitted calling Rafiq ‘P***’.
Ballance stated that he deeply regretted some of his language choices in younger years. ‘The independent enquiry, having heard all of the evidence, accepted that the context of some of the language used was in a ‘friendly verbal attack’ between friends which was not intended to offend or hurt and that no malice was intended.
“Given Rafa’s incredibly close friendship over the years, I’m sad that this has happened.”
Rafiq is a former Yorkshire teammate and was investigated by independent investigators. He had been victim to racism harassment and bullying.
Former England batsman Ballance has admitted he previously calling Rafiq ‘P***’
Root stated earlier in a statement that he was England’s captain, and a former player for Yorkshire. He said: ‘In the capacity of England captain, and senior player at Yorkshire I feel compelled address the present situation which has consumed the sport.
“I want everyone to enjoy the wonderful game of soccer and feel safe and secure. This is a terrible thing to hear. This is my club and I love it. It’s something that I spend a lot time thinking about. No one side can debate racism. It’s simply unacceptable.
“These events have broken our game and tore lives apart. Now is the time to recover, as players, journalists, fans and others involved in cricket. There is an opportunity for us to improve the sport we love.
YCCC must make a change. I want to see YCCC take actions and create a culture where all community members can trust each other.
“We have to unify, educate and reset. Lord Patel (YCCC Chair) will be reached out to me to provide any support I can.
We must figure out a way for us to get on the right track and prevent this from happening again. I believe this is an issue of society that must be dealt with beyond just cricket.
“Nevertheless, the sport of soccer must do even more. What can everyone do to help make the game more positive? How can we all, including myself, the ECB and the counties as well as players, officials, and officials, help improve the condition of the sport?
Although I don’t claim to have the answer, it is clear that we have to be more educated and more open-minded.
Root, a 30-year-old player for Yorkshire Cricket Club where he is also a senior player
Root (left), currently is in Australia leading preparations for England’s Ashes tour
“Inclusivity and diversity are the three main themes that the England teams have discussed over the years. They have also been very passionate about making an impact and improving the situation.
“It is a large part of our culture and we celebrate our diversity. England is represented by us, which means we also represent the multi-cultural society in which we live. All fans should be proud of the person who represents them and enjoy the games.
With the Ashes rapidly approaching, I want the supporters back home to rally behind me and support our team. We’ll be there for you.