3 minute read
Isa Guha says Azeem Rafiq's experience of racism at Yorkshire and ensuing fallout represents a significant chapter for cricket around the world.
Isa Guha believes English cricket's racism saga is one of the most significant chapters in the sport's history, saying it can be a catalyst for meaningful change and a more inclusive game.
Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq, who was born in Pakistan and moved to England at age 10, has detailed how "institutional racism" at the club left him on the brink of suicide.
Yorkshire's ensuing formal investigation found Rafiq was the "victim of racial harassment and bullying".
Yet no player or executive faced immediate disciplinary action after the probe, with the club reportedly dismissing racist language directed at Rafiq as "banter between friends".
The response ignited outrage throughout English cricketing circles and indeed the country, with the fallout continuing after Rafiq fronted a parliamentary select committee.
Guha, speaking at Fox Cricket's summer launch as she prepared to call the men's Ashes series beginning next week, vowed to talk about the subject in more depth when the time was right.
But Guha, a 2009 one-day World Cup winner, made it clear the challenging time represented "probably the most significant thing to happen in cricket".
"It is something that is globally relevant. What's happening in England, I think is something that will be felt all around the world," Guha told AAP.
"The game has had to face some uncomfortable truths.
"But if this is what it takes to get to a place where we can create long-lasting change and a more inclusive sport than a period of reflection and uneasiness is certainly necessary.
"The healing process will happen at some stage.
"Everyone wants to take a look at themselves and how they can be better. And if everyone is doing that then, absolutely, we can move forward."
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last month suspended Yorkshire from hosting international cricket.
Test captain and Yorkshire star Joe Root told reporters earlier this week he had exchanged messages with Rafiq and planned to discuss the matter with him after this summer.
Root maintained he never witnessed incidents detailed by Rafiq.
"Things have happened, especially at Yorkshire, which are unacceptable," Root said.
Guha, believed to be first woman from an Asian background to represent England in any team sport, noted Root was right to "front up and talk about these issues".
"I know that it's something they talk about a lot in the dressing room. It's something that has affected everyone," she said.
"Everyone has a part to play in moving things forward.
"It's about accepting there are issues - and they are serious issues - and being able to find ways to move forward.
"This is happening in cricket. But it's something that affects society."
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