Former Yorkshire County cricketer Azeem Rafiq has outlined the extensive racist abuse he received whilst playing for the club.
Talking to the digital, culture, media and sport parliamentary committee, Rafiq said: “I felt isolated, humiliated at times, constant use of the word ‘Paki’.
“In 2017 pre-season tour we were in a place and Gary Ballance walks over and goes: ‘Why are you talking to him? You know, he’s a paki’.”
Rafiq, a muslim, explained how he was forced to drink wine at aged 15: “My first instance of drinking, I actually got pinned down at my local cricket club and red wine got poured down my throat.”
Following the stillborn birth of his son, Rafiq said the club never supported him.
“After the loss, hardly ever anyone saying: ‘Actually, mate, are you alright? Is your wife alright?’
“It was all about: ‘Well, he raised bullying last year, before he raises something big let’s get rid of him’.”
“It was all about: ‘Well, he raised bullying last year, before he raises something big let’s get rid of him’.”
