Colin Graves apologises for racism at Yorkshire after takeover approved

Colin Graves has apologised “personally and unreservedly” to victims of racism at Yorkshire , and said he “profoundly regrets” describing dressing room abuse as “banter”, language he now accepts some found “dismissive or uncaring”, after his widely anticipated return to Headingley was ratified by the board on Wednesday.

Graves’s takeover is subject to a vote by members at an extraordinary general meeting which has been called for Friday 2 February. Six of the club’s 10 board members have committed to stepping down by that date, and the two member representatives on the board have also been asked to go. “Yorkshire CCC is one of the most illustrious sporting institutions in the country and one of the most successful clubs in world cricket,” Graves said in a statement on Thursday.

“I believe its best days still lie ahead … But the mistakes of the past must be acknowledged and acted upon.” Moral and financial failure at Yorkshire is set to allow Colin Graves back in the door | Azeem Rafiq Read more “I apologise personally and unreservedly to anyone who experienced any form of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

Discrimination or abuse based on race, ethnicity or any other protected characteristic is not and never will be acceptable. I profoundly regret some of the language I used when asked about the events that took place when I was chairman, at a time when I was no longer at the club. I understand and sympathise with those who regarded my comments as dismissive or uncaring.” “I am determined to do whatever is required to ensure Yorkshire County Cricket Club continues to reflect the communities it represents.

The club cannot and will not succeed unless it is united in its commitment to meet the highest professional standards, on and off the field. I want to make it clear that we accept the findings of the report carried out by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) and its recommendations.

If I am confirmed as chairman, the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion work that has been carried out over the last two years will continue.” The deal means the club has been rescued from the brink of administration, with Graves reported to be ready to make an immediate £1m loan and find another £4m from other sources.

It is understood that, while the board dismissed several prospective investors who were unwilling for the club to remain a member owned society, no assurance has been sought from or provided by Graves that he does not plan to convert it into a private company. In a statement, the England & Wales Cricket Board said: “The ECB notes today’s announcement from Yorkshire CCC … and understands they concluded that this proposal was their only viable option to address the situation the club is in and put it on a sustainable footing.

“Considerable work has been carried out at Yorkshire and across cricket more widely – in recent years to tackle discrimination and make the game more inclusive, and it is vital this continues. We welcome Colin Graves’ commitment to continue this work, his unreserved apology and acceptance of the findings of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC).

These words must be put into action if Yorkshire members approve this deal.” Sanjay Patel and Sanjeev Gandhi, both of whom worked with Graves on the creation of the Hundred while he was chairman of the ECB from 2015 to 2020, will be appointed, subject to member approval, as non executive directors.

Philip Hodson, a businessman, former first class cricketer with Cambridge University and one time president of the MCC, will serve as deputy chairman. An aerial view of the Headingley Stadium complex, home of Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Graves previously served as Yorkshire’s chief executive from 2002 to 2007 before being named chairman, spending a total of 12 years and seven months on the board, and eight years as chair.

Having already exceeded the maximum service times under the club’s current rules, his return will require a special resolution which stipulates that “in exceptional circumstances and if decided by the board, a board member or chair of the board may hold office for a further three years over the usual limits specified in the rules”.

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For more information see our Privacy Policy . We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion Graves had never previously accepted that racism was an issue during his time at the club. In one television interview last year he admitted that there may have been the “odd occasion” when problematic language was used in the dressing room, but added: “I don’t think it was done on a racist, savage basis.

I think there was a lot of – I know people don’t like the word banter – but I think there could have been a lot of banter in there about it.” But with his return as chairman now almost certain he has signalled a change of approach, apologising both to those who experienced racism at Yorkshire and to those who have found his subsequent comments insensitive.

The move comes after a number of sporting and government bodies expressed concern over his return. Caroline Dinenage MP, chair of the parliamentary culture, media and sport committee which has devoted several sessions to cricket, focusing on Yorkshire, and has invited Graves to give evidence next month, said: “The disgraceful treatment of Azeem Rafiq by Yorkshire CCC was the tip of the iceberg, with racism, classism, sexism and misogyny found to be entrenched across the sport.

The publication of the ICEC’s report last year offered a turning point for English cricket, which the ECB appears to be taking. “The return of Colin Graves to Yorkshire and to English cricket risks undermining what progress has been made so far. If the club is serious about rebuilding its reputation as well as its finances, then there needs to be a commitment from Mr Graves and the club to fully respecting the findings of the ICEC and taking action on them.

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee will be watching closely as this deal progresses, so that the terrible past of Yorkshire CCC does not repeat itself.” Responding to news that Graves’s offer had been accepted by Yorkshire’s board, Rafiq told the Guardian: “I think it’s very sad. It’s a clear message to myself and people of colour and South Asian people that cricket is not a game for us and it’s not a place the people running the sport want us to come.

That’s the message it sends out. I’ve woken up to a barrage of abuse and that’s what it empowers: people to be more openly racist. How we’ve got here is an absolute scandal. The game, the governing body, the sponsors – I think everyone in cricket should hang their heads in shame.”.