Azeem Rafiq told MPs he and his family have been driven out of the country by the ‘abuse and threats’ they have faced since he told of the racism he faced in cricket.
The former Yorkshire bowler spoke to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee for the first time since November 2021 and said: ‘If I was to look at 13 months on, all that’s changed really is me and my family have been driven out of the country.’
Rafiq, who moved with his immediate family to Pakistan last month, recounted incidents of abuse including a man defecating outside his parents’ house.
‘I would love to come here and tell you how much cricket has changed but unfortunately it feels like cricket is in denial,’ said the 31-year-old, who has also been the subject of allegations, which he denies, regarding his behaviour during his time at Yorkshire.
The ECB charged a number of individuals in relation to Rafiq’s allegations but the case is yet to be heard after a dispute over whether it should take place in public or private.
Yorkshire chair Lord Kamlesh Patel accused the former England and Wales Cricket Board leadership of failing to support him when he faced criticism over the reforms he led at the county.
‘If I was attacked in the press or if cricket leaders made unsubstantiated statements, nothing was done,’ Patel told MPs.
The ECB issued a statement last night, recommitting itself to the cause of ‘lasting cultural change’.
MORE : Investigation launched after Azeem Rafiq highlights allegations of racist abuse during England vs India Test
MORE : Former Yorkshire head coach Andrew Gale wins unfair dismissal case in wake of Azeem Rafiq racism scandal
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