Yorkshire Racism Row: The Yorkshire County Cricket Club on Friday announced that its Director of Cricket, First XI coach, and all other members of the coaching team have left the club amid rising concerns over racism within the Club. Also, the backroom medical team, external services provided by Pavilion Physiotherapy Clinic, has also left.
The club said that appointment of a new Director of Cricket will be done shortly. It also said in the statement that “An interim medical team is also in the process of being appointed”.
Yorkshire Racism Row: Yorkshire County Cricket Club Director of cricket, entire coaching staff leave amid rising concerns
“We can confirm that Martyn Moxon, Director of Cricket, and Andrew Gale, First XI Coach, have left the Club today (3 December), in addition to all members of the coaching team. A new Director of Cricket will be appointed imminently, alongside a new coaching team which is being recruited,” said the club in a statement.
“We thank everyone who is leaving for their service. Further announcements will be made in due course,” it added.
Professor The Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, Chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club commented on the ‘tough’ decision taken by the club and promised to make it a place where people from all backgrounds can come and play.
Yorkshire Racism Row: Yorkshire County Cricket Club Director of cricket, entire coaching staff leave amid rising concerns
“Significant change is required at Yorkshire County Cricket Club and we are committed to taking whatever action is necessary to regain trust. The decisions announced today were difficult to make, but are in the best interests of the Club. Without making important changes to how we are run, we cannot move on from the past to become a culture that is progressive and inclusive.
“We want to make Yorkshire County Cricket Club a place for everyone, from all backgrounds. To do this, we need to rebuild our culture and instill positive values in everyone associated with Yorkshire. We are determined to learn from the mistakes of the past to become a Club that people can trust,” he added.
Yorkshire Racism Row: Yorkshire County Cricket Club Director of cricket, entire coaching staff leave amid rising concerns
“We are hoping to announce a new Director of Cricket in the coming days. We have a huge rebuilding job to do but we are confident that this heralds a step forward towards a brighter future”.
A few days ago, Michael Vaughan had apologised to Azeem Rafiq for hurting his sentiments after the latter pointed out in his hearing that this issue should not be made all about Michael.