Baroness Grey-Thompson admits club’s response to Azeem Rafiq’s case was poor, with penalties imminent.

Yorkshire is facing disciplinary action following its mishandling of the racism case involving former player Azeem Rafiq. The Cricket Discipline Commission is set to impose sanctions on the club for their inadequate response to Rafiq’s claims of bullying and racial discrimination, which were confirmed in an official investigation.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who has served as the club’s interim chair since March, appeared before the Culture, Media and Sport committee, echoing criticism of the club’s actions. She described Yorkshire’s handling of the case as flawed at every stage, leading to the current consequences. “Yorkshire is paying the price for this mishandling,” she stated.

While a minority of club members still resist calls for change, Grey-Thompson noted that most are eager for reform and want to move forward. The England and Wales Cricket Board has recommended a £500,000 fine, with £350,000 suspended for three years, along with points deductions in various formats. Yorkshire, however, has urged that any sanctions be put on hold, highlighting the reforms already in place since Lord Patel’s appointment as chair in late 2021.