Rafiq’s testimonial hits ECB like earthquake; Harrison calls for implementing measures

After the harrowing testimonial provided by Azeem Rafiq that unmasked the underlying racism in the dressing room and domestic cricket of the English and Wales Cricket board in general, the board’s administrator has decided to take strict action. According to the reports of AFP, the boards have agreed to implement 12 measures to keep racism in check.

These measures include activities like dressing-room culture’s review and the extension of help towards non-white and underprivileged cricketers. The board has also decided to be more committed to creating diversity in county boards.

Tom Harrison, the ECB chief, describes the past few weeks’ experiences as an earthquake that has hit the board quite severely. He admitted that some very terrible things had taken place in the domestic circuit, and it is tough for him to hear about them. He added, “We’ve come up with some significant actions as a result of what’s happened. I understand that I have the backing of the game, and I’m very motivated to make sure that we provide a welcoming environment across our sports for everybody,” reports ESPNcrickinfo.

Azim Rafiq is a Pakistan-born cricketer in England who represented Yorkshire. In his public hearing, Rafiq talked about some of the most horrifying tales about the institutionalized racism he faced during his playing time. He also alleged that it was racism that ended his career. After listening to Rafiq’s testimony, several other players too came out to speak for themselves, and it shook the entire cricket board by its root. As a result, they finally decided to take some strict steps.