Gary Ballance says “I regret that these exchanges took place” in T20 World Cup. Ballance has found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Amid Azeem Rafiq’s racial abuse case. Gary released a detailed statement, admitting his usage of some offensive and derogatory. Also, terms on Rafiq when playing alongside him for Yorkshire. Also, Ballance’s statement highlighted his regret. At uttering those words. He also claimed he was unaware of the distress. It had caused Rafiq. Ballance called the Karachi-born cricketer his “best mate” in cricket. He never intended to malign or agitate Rafiq by reducing him to tears.
Moreover, Azeem Rafiq’s claims of facing racism. During his attachment with the Yorkshire County Cricket Club surfaced in September 2020. He revealed that he was close to committing suicide as he felt targeted due to his race. However, Yorkshire investigated his allegations. They released a report after too much delay. And then initially revealed that an unnamed player used the term “P**i” when speaking to the off-spinner. Yorkshire dismissed it by perceiving it as friendly, good-natured banter. Between the two cricketers and refused to take action.
Gary Ballance
As a result, the association faced pushback from Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Julia Knight. Also, Department for Culture, Media and Sport select committee chair. Javid. He feels ruling it out as banter is unacceptable. While Knight wanted greater accountability and transparency from the club’s chairman, Roger Hutton. Additionally, Ballance’s statement has come at a dramatic time for Yorkshire. Also, the Emerald Group and Yorkshire Tea have already severed ties with the county club. After their mishandling of Rafiq’s case.
Lastly, Yorkshire Tea’s expressed their displeasure. After reading about it and decided to end its partnership with immediate effect. Anchor Butter emerged as yet another brand, confirmed via Twitter. And they will have nothing to do with Yorkshire moving forward.
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