Yorkshire County Cricket Club investigating new racism claims

It's emerged Yorkshire County Cricket Club are investigating new racism allegations, made by a former academy player.

Irfan Amjad says he was racially abused by a member of staff when he was 16-years-old, over his batting style.

Yorkshire are to investigate fully, saying: "It is essential that those who have experienced racism, discrimination and abuse are able to come forward to share their experiences.

"We were unaware of this allegation until now but will investigate appropriately."

"I thank Azeem Rafiq for his bravery"

Amjad's decision to speak out follows "whistleblower" Azeem Rafiq's decision to detail his experience of racial harassment and bullying at the club.

Yorkshire have now reached a financial settlement with Rafiq over his employment tribunal against the club.

New chair Lord Kamlesh Patel has promised to oversee "urgent and seismic change" in response to the ongoing racism crisis.

Patel was appointed on Friday following the resignation of Roger Hutton, and has already implemented a series of actions.

At a press conference at Headingley, he issued a fresh apology for past mistakes, and made clear that the deal did not include a non-disclosure agreement.

Rafiq had previously rejected a request.

"I thank Azeem Rafiq for his bravery in speaking out. Azeem is a whistleblower, should be praised as such and should never have been put through this," said Patel, who said he spent over six hours in conversation with Rafiq since his appointment.

"I would like to apologise. We are sorry for what you and your family experienced and the way we have handled this. What happened to you must never be repeated.

"There's a clear need for urgent and seismic change, starting from within, and I'm determined to lead this club to a better and more positive future. Trust and transparency will be the key words for my tenure.

"We have settled the employment tribunal case - the legal proceedings - with Azeem Rafiq.

"Absolutely no restrictions have been placed on Azeem and what he can or cannot say about his experiences. The club was wrong to have asked Azeem to agree to an NDA in the past and he rightly refused. Our offer means Azeem will be free to speak about his experiences publicly."

Patel also announced a new independent hotline to collect experiences of others who may have faced discrimination.

Additionally, a full independent report has been shared with a number of parties, including Rafiq's legal team and MPs on the Digital, Culture Media and Sport Committee.

A panel of MPs will question members and former members of the club's board next week, as well as hear evidence from Rafiq himself.

"Discrimination is wider than sport"

Meanwhile, former West Indies star Michael Holding has urged individuals to submit any evidence they may have of discrimination within cricket.

It's as the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket has opened a wide-ranging inquiry into abuse.

They've called for evidence in the elite and grassroots games, and have opened a new online survey, which will run until December 21.

Players will also be able to submit written evidence to the commission from next month.

The ICEC was set up by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in March of this year, and will use the evidence it gathers to inform a report on the level of equity in the sport.

Equality campaigner Holding said: "This is a game that I love and have dedicated my life to.

"I urge anyone who has experienced racism, sexism, elitism, or any kind of unfair treatment in cricket, anyone who has a story to share about being included, welcomed, or supported to respond to the Commission's call for evidence.

"Now is your time to be heard, to share your story and be a part of the change the game so desperately needs."

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "The experience of Azeem Rafiq and others who played for Yorkshire County Cricket Club is a painful reminder that more still needs to be done to stamp out racism in cricket.

"This should be a watershed moment for the game and I would urge all of those who feel they may have experienced discrimination to come forward."

[Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.](http://ghr.listennow.link/1270523)