A timeline of Yorkshire’s racism scandal

The fallout from the racism crisis in county cricket sparked by allegations from former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq has continued with the England and Wales Cricket Board charging the county and a “number of individuals” on Wednesday.

Here, the PA news agency provides a timeline of the developments in the affair so far.

September 2, 2020 – Rafiq tells ESPNcricinfo that he contemplated committing suicide during his time at Yorkshire because of “institutional racism” at the county.

September 3, 2020 – Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton confirms a formal investigation into Rafiq’s claims will be launched.

September 5, 2020 – Law firm Squire Patton Boggs is hired by Yorkshire to lead the independent investigation.

November 13, 2020 – Rafiq reveals details of the racism he faced at Yorkshire, saying non-white players were called “P***s” and “elephant washers”. He also highlights a drinking culture at the club that is insensitive to Muslim attitudes to alcohol.

December 14, 2020 – Rafiq files a legal claim against Yorkshire under the Equality Act, claiming direct discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race, as well as victimisation and detriment as a result of his efforts to address racism at the club.

June 17, 2021 – Yorkshire confirm they have failed to “resolve the issues between the club and Azeem Rafiq” through the process of judicial mediation. The case remains within the employment tribunal process.

August 18, 2021 – England and Wales Cricket Board chair Ian Watmore calls on Yorkshire to provide a copy of the investigation’s findings after the county takes receipt of its report. Rafiq reveals his exasperation with continued delays to the process.

August 19, 2021 – Rafiq accuses Yorkshire of “fudging” his claims