Moeen hopes the row of racism in Yorkshire will bring about a change

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Cricket – England Nets – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Great Britain – September 9, 2021 England’s Moeen Ali during the Action Images Nets via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff

November 9 (Reuters) – England all-rounder Moeen Ali said he was not surprised by the racism allegations made by Azeem Rafiq against Yorkshire Cricket Club, but is hopeful the issue will lead to a change in the sport.

Rafiq, of Pakistani descent and former England Under-19 captain, said in September 2020 he had been the victim of racist abuse and felt like a foreigner in Yorkshire.

The 30-year-old also said he considered taking his own life.

The English cricket council last week suspended Yorkshire from hosting international or major matches over its handling of Rafiq’s allegations, while former chairman Roger Hutton resigned and was replaced by Kamlesh Patel.

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, but there are probably more stories people haven’t heard of,” Moeen said at a press conference Monday.

“The fact that it came out is great because in the future people (will have to) think about what they can and cannot say in terms of discriminating against people and knowing how people feel and cross.

“What Azeem has done he’s not doing for personal gain, I think he wants change and that’s what he’s pushing.”

After a nearly year-long investigation into the allegations, Yorkshire issued a statement in September acknowledging Rafiq had suffered racial violence, but the following month the club said no one would be disciplined .

Rafiq and senior Yorkshire executives were called to testify before a parliamentary panel on Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on November 16.

Report by Manasi Pathak in Bangalore; Editing by Peter Rutherford

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