Entire Yorkshire coaching staff leave club after racism scandal

Published
0
In this file photo taken on November 5, the white rose logo for Yorkshire County Cricket Club is pictured outside Headingley, the home of Yorkshire cricket. — AFP
In this file photo taken on November 5, the white rose logo for Yorkshire County Cricket Club is pictured outside Headingley, the home of Yorkshire cricket. — AFP

Yorkshire's director of cricket Martyn Moxon and head coach Andrew Gale have left the troubled county side along with the entire coaching staff in the latest fallout from a damaging racism scandal.

Former Yorkshire off-spinner Azeem Rafiq gave harrowing testimony to British lawmakers last month in which he said his career had been ended by the abuse he received at the club.

Rafiq had previously called for Moxon and Gale to step down, claiming the club could not move forward until they left Headingley.

Moxon, a 61-year-old former Yorkshire and England opening batsman, had been signed off from work due to a stress-related illness since the scandal erupted, while Gale, 38, who previously captained the club, had been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing over a historical tweet.

Their departures follow those of club chairman Roger Hutton and chief executive Mark Arthur, who resigned following widespread condemnation of Yorkshire over their treatment of Rafiq.

Moxon and Gale were heavily criticised at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing in London.

“We can confirm that Martyn Moxon, director of cricket, and Andrew Gale, first XI coach, have left the club today in addition to all members of the coaching team,” a Yorkshire statement said on Friday.

“A new director of cricket will be appointed imminently, alongside a new coaching team which is being recruited.”

The club said the total number of departures was 16, including six members of the backroom medical team provided by Pavilion Physiotherapy Clinic.

“Significant change is required at Yorkshire County Cricket Club and we are committed to taking whatever action is necessary to regain trust,” said new chairman Kamlesh Patel.

“The decisions announced today were difficult to make but are in the best interests of the club. Without making important changes to how we are run, we cannot move on from the past to become a culture which is progressive and inclusive.”

But British media reports on Friday said several Yorkshire players could leave the club in protest at the sackings, with concerns that staff have lost their jobs unfairly.

An independent report found Pakistan-born Rafiq, 30, was a victim of “racial harassment and bullying” but although Yorkshire apologised, they said they would take no disciplinary action against any staff.

The fallout for Yorkshire — one of England's most successful and historic sides — was swift and devastating, with sponsors pulling out and the club suspended from hosting lucrative international matches.

Subsequent allegations of racism have been made by other players, setting in motion additional investigations at Yorkshire and other clubs as the scandal spreads.

English cricket's top administrator announced an anti-racism action plan last week, admitting an “earthquake” had hit the sport.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...