ECB bans Yorkshire from hosting major matches, punishes Gary Ballance with indefinite ban in racism row

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has banned the Yorkshire County Cricket Club from hosting major matches such as international fixtures and the games of The Hundred as it deemed the county’s handling of the investigation into the racism allegations made by Azeem Rafiq “unacceptable” and causing “serious damage” to the reputation of the game.

The county manage the Headingley ground and were to host a Test match against New Zealand and an ODI against South Africa next summer and the fate of all such games lie in limbo.

“In the meantime, YCCC are suspended from hosting international or major matches until it has clearly demonstrated that it can meet the standards expected of an international venue, ECB member and First Class County,” the ECB said in its statement.

The ECB has also taken cognisance of Gary Ballance’s admission of his role in the Yorkshire county in hurling racial abuse against Azeem Rafiq and said that the left-hander will be suspended indefinitely for selection into the England squad.

The ECB strong reiterated that it stands for inclusivity and maintained its “unwavering commitment to ensuring that cricket is a game for everyone. Discrimination of any kind on the field of play, in the dressing room, in the stands, or in the boardroom is intolerable in sport or indeed, society. Cricket must work together to eradicate it.”