Azim Rafik has criticised the decision not to impose a points deduction on Essex despite admitting there was systemic and long-standing racism and discrimination within the club.
Essex was fined £100,000, of which £50,000 was suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to breaching guideline 3.3 by systematically using racist and discriminatory language and/or behaviour between 2001 and 2010.
An independent panel report by the Cricket Disciplinary Commission (CDC) found the length of time the allegations were brought and the systematic use of racist and discriminatory language suggested a culture “embedded” in most levels of the club.
The club was warned and reprimanded by the Cricket Regulation Authority (CR) but had no points deducted. Yorkshire, on the other hand, had points deducted and was hit with a bigger fine after Raphic revealed an investigation into allegations of racism at the club in July.
“The fine is important and it is just the beginning,” Rafiq said. Sky Sports News“It’s very disappointing that there was no deduction of points, especially considering Essex were penalised 12 points a few weeks ago for using too big a bat.
“I think it sends the wrong message. When the ECB talked about zero tolerance after the ICC report, their actions really fell short of that.”
Rafik questions ‘zero tolerance’ towards racism in cricket
Yorkshire were deducted 48 points from the County Championship and four from the T20 Blast and fined £400,000, with another £300,000 suspended for two years following an investigation into alleged racism at the club between 2004 and 2021.
Yorkshire have been deducted 48 County Championship points from their 2023 squad after admitting four breaches of ECB Guideline 3.3.
In a written opinion, the CR panel said sporting sanctions, such as a points deduction, could not be applied against Essex because the misconduct occurred before the powers were introduced under the 2020 Regulations.
The commission also noted that Essex admitted to the charges at the earliest opportunity and was cooperative and responsive throughout the investigation. Essex also received praise from CDC for its efforts to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion in recent years.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould said: “There is no place for racism in our sport. I am appalled at what those who experienced racism in Essex have experienced and how such behaviour can be normalised.
“It’s important that we in the sport listen to their experiences, learn from them and make sure that no one ever has to go through that pain again.”
When asked how well the fight against racism in cricket had progressed since his Yorkshire experience, Rafik said: “It hasn’t really progressed that well. Especially in cricket, Richard Gould said in his statement that racism has no place in our sport, but unfortunately the reality is that racists have a place.
“The people who have committed racist abuse are in leadership positions at county clubs and work with children. In my view, that is not intolerance.
“Unfortunately in cricket their words and their actions don’t match. When we say we want to be the most inclusive sport, I don’t think that’s what they actually mean.”
