Racism issue at Yorkshire CCC

Baron Patel of Bradford appointed Chair of YCCC with a view to leading the club out of a dire racial crisis. Has a passion for cricket, was raised in Bradford and senior experience in administration and social services. So far so good.

But as his name implies, he's a man of Indian descent, and while the racism at Yorkshire speaks of Asian victimisation from what I've read it's been specifically anti Pakistani and anti Muslim, with the 2 main protagonists both being of Pakistani heritage and Muslim. It's no secret that Pakistan and India are deeply hostile to each other since their country was annexed in 1947 causing the creation of Pakistan with 3 wars having been fought between them over the land of Kashmir since the break up. India is predominantly of Hindu religion while Pakistan is Islamic further exacerbating the differences. When the 2 nations play each other in World Cup matches in the UK the police are put on red alert knowing the fierce rivalry and tensions could break out into violence between the fans although that threat has not been realised.

The point is that while this appointment may seem to be a sop to end racism and advance the cause of Asian cricket in the county, Pakistani Muslims in the area might see it as typical ignorance to their plight and not a start to addressing their concerns nor the underlying reasons of their discontent.

Re above, it's a fair point.

All this navel gazing from the pc bores on here. Gary Ballance,the first accused, has said that Rafiq was his best mate on the cricket circuit which I take at face value. The personal comments he made to his teammate while coarse and unpleasant were made in the spirit of matey humour although tactless and ill conceived. No doubt Ballance was unaware that behind his bumbling jokiness he was causing understandable hurt to Rafiq who on the outside went along with it despite his inner turmoil.

That's not to excuse Ballance's lack of knowledge in boundaries as to what is acceptable banter and what isn't but the fact that the comments were made by a mate in jest, even though a lot was entirely inappropriate, is different when made by someone who likes you than by someone who doesn't, and as Ballance himself said, should be seen in that context.

Marvellous post Joe. This is exactly my sentiments.

I now actively choose to ignore liquidskin in here because the hate he chooses to spread makes me feel a little sad for him. Must be horrible having that darkness in your soul

Whilst I am sure some here will wish to continue debating whether being called a 'Rosbif' (something I have never been called in around 50 holidays to France, by the way, so uncommon is it) is just as bad as the use of 'p*ki' to someone of Asian descent (hint: it isn't), those who actually want to remain in the 21st Century rather than wallowing in 1970s style 'humour', might find this article balanced and sensible:


Trigger warning: it's from the Guardian! 


Yorkshire CCC racism storm should focus on institutions, not people

Racist behaviour does not occur in a vacuum, and the ultimate lesson here is how many of our structures are indicted


www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2021/nov/06/yorkshire-ccc-racism-storm-azeem-rafiq-cricket

Ah, didn't see that post!   Apologies. 

Azeem Rafiq: Yorkshire's new chair Lord Patel says ex-player should be praised as 'whistleblower'

A very positive statement - let's hope he clears out all the rotten apples.

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/59206664

You forgot to edit what you wrote.  It needs it.