Yorkshire County Cricket’s former chairman has apologised “personally and unreservedly” to those who experienced racism at the club – and admitted he should not have dismissed concerns as “banter”.
Colin Graves’ apology comes after the club’s board agreed to recommend its members approve a financial deal that could lead to his return.
The debt-ridden club’s long search for fresh investment has brought them back to the 75-year-old who served as chair between 2012 and 2015.
Under the proposal from a consortium led by Graves, he would immediately loan YCCC £1m – and work with the club to secure another £4m over a five-month period.
But the deal first requires club members to approve a loan agreement that would stipulate who could be nominated to the board of the club.
His reinstatement, which is expected to go ahead, represents a divisive move considering the racism scandal which has engulfed the club in recent years.
There have been moves to block his return from politicians and Azeem Rafiq, who exposed the institutional racism he and other players suffered between 2008 and 2018.
Rafiq, the spinner-turned-whistleblower who first shed light on the issue, told Sky News: “We’re talking about a person that firstly has shown no contrition to this day and has gone above and beyond to continue the harm.”
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Yorkshire were docked points and fined last year by an independent commission appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board after admitting failures on four charges – including failing to address and take adequate action against racist and discriminatory language.
But Graves sparked outrage in June when he told Sky Sports News that while he had never witnessed any racial discrimination during his tenure “there could have been a lot of banter”.
Apology for ‘dismissive and uncaring’ comments
In a statement on Thursday, Graves said: “I apologise personally and unreservedly to anyone who experienced any form of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
“Discrimination or abuse based on race, ethnicity or any other protected characteristic is not and never will be acceptable.
“I profoundly regret some of the language I used when asked about the events that took place when I was chairman, at a time when I was no longer at the club. I understand and sympathise with those who regarded my comments as dismissive or uncaring.”
Graves said he was determined to do whatever is required to ensure the club continues to reflect the communities it represents.
“The club cannot and will not succeed unless it is united in its commitment to meet the highest professional standards, on and off the field,” he said.
“I want to make it clear that we accept the findings of the report carried out by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) and its recommendations. If I am confirmed as chairman, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work that has been carried out over the last two years will continue.
“I hope that new and older members, former players, commercial sponsors and broadcasters will work with us to ensure that everyone connected with Yorkshire cricket is proud to be associated with the club.”
Doubt whether minorities ‘can ever feel safe’
In response, Rafiq said: “It just feels like back to square one and nothing really has changed.
“There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes which makes you really doubt whether cricket will ever become a place where people of colour, people from ethnic minorities, can ever feel safe.”
Sporting Equals, a charity which promotes ethnic diversity in UK sport, said on Monday the reinstatement of Graves “would undermine the progress made” and “send a message that emboldens those who perpetuate the myth that racism is simply banter”.
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Any new appointments need to be ratified by members at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), which the club confirmed would take place on 2 February.
A letter to members serving notice of the EGM confirmed if a special resolution was approved by the board, Graves would return as chair.
“I hope that members will vote in favour of this deal when it is put to them,” Graves said in his statement.
“It is our intention to get Yorkshire back to winning ways; grow the women’s game; and inspire a new generation of children and young adults to watch and play cricket.
“Yorkshire must be a club that is open and welcoming to everyone who shares a passion for the game, from every part of society.”
