England captain Joe Root has opened up about racism that is taking place in the Yorkshire cricket club. Root claims that Yorkshire club has had a negative impact on people’s lives, fracturing the game in many ways. Root played for Yorkshire in 2009 and expressed that incidents of racism harm the equality and safe space in cricket, referring to the game as “beautiful”. The racist incidents in Yorkshire have spilled out after former spinner Azeem Rafiq claimed that he suffered racist abuse.
I just want the sport to be a place where everyone is enjoying it for the beautiful game it is and feels equal and safe. We need to educate, unify and reset. I will reach out to YCCC new chair Lord Patel to offer support, however, I'm able. It's my club that I care passionately about it. I've spent a lot of time reflecting. There is no debate about racism, no one side or other. It is simply intolerable.
Joe Root, Captain, England Test Team