Roger Hutton criticises ECB for refusing to investigate OWN conduct in Azeem Rafiq racism affair

Former Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton has criticised the ECB for refusing to investigate the organisation’s own conduct in the Azeem Rafiq racism affair and called for the creation of an independent regulator for the sport similar to the one being set up in football. 

The ECB’s Cricket Disciplinary Commission last week issued charges against seven former Yorkshire players and the club for a variety of alleged offences related to an allegedly racist culture that went unchallenged over almost two decades at Headingley, but has not made any attempt to scrutinise the actions of the governing body itself.

Hutton resigned as chairman last November with an attack on the ECB for their failure to assist with Yorkshire’s inquiry into Rafiq’s complaints of suffering racist abuse at the club, and has been further angered by the ECB’s subsequent investigation. 

On the eve of tomorrow’s third Test at Headingley between England and New Zealand Hutton has opted to speak out by demanding a complete overhaul of cricket’s governance.

‘It did not surprise me, but I found it deeply disappointing that the ECB nor CDC have considered it appropriate to investigate the conduct of those at the ECB,’ Hutton told Sportsmail. 

‘You will recall the ECB knew of Azeem’s allegations before I did. They did nothing about them. 

Former Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton (pictured) has criticised the ECB for refusing to investigate the organisation’s own conduct in the Azeem Rafiq racism affair

Hutton resigned as chairman last November with an attack on the ECB for their failure to assist with Yorkshire’s inquiry into Rafiq’s (pictured) complaints of suffering racist abuse at the club

‘They did not offer to help Yorkshire investigate despite the obvious difficulties it faced in doing so and when Yorkshire asked them to help they refused to do so. I believe this should be questioned.

‘I also believe that the ECB investigation itself has been poor and carried out by those with a lack of independence. I have raised these concerns with the ECB and they have dismissed them. 

‘I strongly believe cricket would be better served by a wholly independent regulatory arm. Not only would this ensure a fair and objective process, but everyone could trust it to be so.’

Hutton moved to distance himself from his predecessors as Yorkshire chairman – such as Colin Graves (pictured), who has criticised the ECB for bringing disciplinary charges against the club

Hutton also moved to distance himself from his predecessors as Yorkshire chairman, Colin Graves, Steve Denison and Robin Smith, who have all criticised the ECB for bringing disciplinary charges against the club.

‘I have always taken the view that Azeem is a victim and that cricket needs to improve its approach to diversity and inclusion,’ Hutton said. ‘For my part I apologised for the racism he suffered and for the mistakes that were made by YCCC in the handling of the investigation.

‘I found the culture at YCCC to be backward looking and resistant to challenge. That is why I resigned. I am wholly supportive of Lord Patel and believe his changes are positive ones.’