Azeem Rafiq: English cricket is 'institutionally' racist says former Yorkshire player

Azeem Rafiq: English cricket is 'institutionally' racist says former Yorkshire player
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English cricket is "institutionally" racist, says former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq.

Rafiq, 30, told a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee that racist language was "constantly" used during his time at Yorkshire.

In an emotional testimony, he said the club gave him "inhumane" treatment after his son was still-born in 2017.

He added the issues he faced at Yorkshire are "without a shadow of a doubt" widespread in domestic cricket.

When asked by Damian Green MP if he thought cricket was institutionally racist, Rafiq replied: "Yes, I do."

In response to a question by Julian Knight MP, chair of the DCMS select committee, on whether the issues he faced were "replicated" at other counties, Rafiq said: "It's a problem up and down the country."

Rafiq said that the day after his son died, Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon "ripped shreds" off him in a manner he had never seen Moxon address anyone else at the club.

He also said he was part of a group of "six or seven" players who made a complaint about former England player Tim Bresnan in 2017, after which he said the club saw him as a "trouble-maker".

He added he was the only player of colour in that group and was "the only one to get repercussions".

Moxon is currently absent from work because of a "stress-related illness" and Yorkshire said he "will be given the necessary support".

BBC Sport is approaching Bresnan for comment.

More to follow.

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