Gary Ballance issues an apology to Azeem Rafiq for racist slurs

image-l79eeypdGary Ballance issues an apology to Azeem Rafiq (PC: Twitter)

In a brave step, England’s Gary Ballance has publicly sought an unreserved apology from Azeem Rafiq. Yorkshire cricket club has been under major scrutiny for practicing racism. Ballance is one of the seven cricketers who have been charged by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for passing racist remarks on Rafiq.

The English players had used the work p**i to address the spin bowler. When allegations were levelled, they tried to dismiss them by making it healthy banter between the two friends. Notably, Adil Rasheed and Rafiq had lodged a complaint regarding the racist behavior in Yorkshire in 2017.

However, it was only this month that a concrete step has been taken to ensure a healthy environment for players irrespective of their colour, cast, and creed. Ballance hasn’t featured in a single first-class game this year. His first apology for Rafiq came earlier this week during the meeting hosted by Julian Metherell, the non-executive chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

Gary redeems himself with an official statement

The cricketer followed it up with an official statement. The 32-year-old accepted his fault while mentioning that it was unintentional from his side. He also apologised for the delay in seeking an apology.

The statement from Ballance read,

"I apologize 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 not an excuse, I realize that the language I used was wrong. I have accepted, from the outset, that the words I used were wrong, and I hope this statement brings Azeem some comfort.”

Rafiq accepts Gary’s apology

Rafiq showed a big heart as he was quick to accept Ballance’s apology. The spinner lauded the English batter for his honesty. Further, he also called out all the Yorkshire cricketers who had privately asked for an apology from him. Though the cricketer forgave everyone, he believes that they should have had the courage to come forward like Gary.

As per a report by The Cricketer, 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.”

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