Azeem Rafiq has lifted the lid on the “institutional racism” that has swamped English cricket in a tear-jerking appearance in front of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee today.
The former all-rounder courageously fought back tears and explained to MPs how racial slurs – such as the word “P***” – were “used constantly” during his two spells at Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) by professionals such as international starlet Gary Balance. Even England Captain Joe Root was present when he was called the P-word. He also recalled being pinned down and having wine poured down his throat when he was just 15-years-old.
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It is a tough watch. Yet, Sky News was censoring Rafiq’s evidence to Parliament in case it “offends” viewers when he described the terms used against him. The broadcaster was probably fearful of potential Ofcom complaints as it is liable for any offensive words going out on air. In the end, TV executives realised Rafiq voice deserves to be heard and showed the rest of the session uncensored, just as it was on Parliament TV.
