Yorkshire County Cricket Club batsman Gary Ballance has apologised to Azeem Rafiq for racist language he used against his former colleague.
Azeem, in September 2020, had made allegations of institutionalised racism against the Yorkshire club in an interview with ESPNcricinfo. While Gary Ballance, in November 2021, had admitted to have used a racial slur against the 31 year old cricketer.
Mr Ballance made the apology in-person during a meeting with Mr Rafiq in London this week. Julian Metherell, Non-executive Chair at the Professional Cricketers’ Association, hosted the meeting.
Gary Ballance said, “I apologise unreservedly to Azeem for the words I used when we played together. I did use unacceptable – at times, racist – language. If I had realised how much this hurt Azeem, I would have stopped immediately. That’s why I wanted to meet him this week and be clear in person that I intended no malice. That’s not an excuse, I realise that the language I used was wrong.”
He added, “I have accepted, from the outset, the words I used were wrong and I hope this statement brings Azeem some comfort.” He went on to say that racism has no place in cricket and he would play his part in fighting the problem, making the game inclusive.
Accepting Gary’s apologies, Azeem Rafiq said, “From day one of opening up about my experiences, all I ever wanted was acceptance and apologies for what happened. Gary has been brave to admit the truth and I understand why the mental strain has made it difficult for him to make this apology any sooner. Gary must be applauded for his honesty and unreserved apology and must now be allowed to get on with his life.”
Azeem said that institutional racism is the main issue in the game and Gary, with is apology, has become a part of the solution. He hoped that Gary is allowed to get on with his cricket.
He continued, “I would like to thank Gary. He has done cricket and the fight against racism a great service with these words. I would also like to thank those who have been in contact with me privately to apologise for what they witnessed.” He said that this is a good time for the “bystanders to reflect on whether they could have done the same or even spoken publicly about what they saw.”
