Azeem Rafiq fears he may remain unemployed after speaking about racism in English cricket

Racism has always been a big point of discussion in all sports. Cricket is no different and there have been various issues regarding racism which have upset the entire cricket fraternity. An incident which came to light recently was when Former Yorkshire spinner Azeem Rafiq spoke about racism in English cricket. 

The Pakistan-born cricketer told a British parliamentary committee in November about the discrimination he had faced while playing for Yorkshire, saying that the sport in England was "institutionally racist". This caused a huge stir in the entire cricketing community. 

However, he is now worried that talking about racism in English cricket may leave him unemployed. “I never thought it would be easy. I thought it would be a few years down the line when I felt the full force of negativity from what I’d said,” Rafiq, who would like to work as a coach or in the media, revealed to Sky Sports.

He is only 31 years old and needs to earn for his family. The fact that speaking the truth causes so much backlash is a reason people often choose to remain silent.

“At the age of 31 it feels like I can never be employed again. I have two kids and it worries me about the impact this might have on them,” he added. 

In his hearing with the parliamentary committee, the cricketer said that racist language was used “constantly” and was “never stamped out” as it “became the norm” while he was at Yorkshire. These were big allegations made against the county and it had major implications on them. 

Rafiq’s accusations shook English sport and cost Yorkshire very heavily as they not only lost sponsors but the England and Wales Cricket Board also suspended the county from hosting international or major matches at Headingley. 

“As an individual it can be very hard to speak out. I’ve had people contact me saying they want to speak out and I’ve told them the truth of what will happen if they do, but I’ve also told them that they won’t be on their own because I will stand alongside them,” he said. It’s very tough for people to come out and comment against some really strong individuals and boards. However it is the need of the hour in order to make cricket a more inclusive sport.