Yorkshire announce 36 people have contacted whistleblower hotline in first week
The independent reporting service has been set up in the wake of Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of institutional racism.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Yorkshire have announced that 36 people have contacted its whistleblower hotline in the week since it was launched.
The independent reporting service was initiated by club chair Lord Kamlesh Patel, who was appointed earlier this month and accelerated the previous regime’s sluggish response to Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of institutional racism.
Mohinderpal Sethi QC has been appointed to lead the process of reviewing all submissions and his team will make direct contact with those who have lodged complaints.
“I welcome the opportunity to lead this important independent investigation process. Those who report their complaints to the whistleblowing hotline should feel reassured that these matters will be addressed in a careful and impartial manner,” he said.
Patel, meanwhile, reiterated his call for those who may still have stories to share to come forward.
“It is essential that those who have experienced or witnessed racism, discrimination and abuse are able to come forward to share their experiences. I thank all of those who have contacted the hotline so far,” he said.
“Lasting and authentic change, particularly in the face of a complex and systemic issue, takes consideration and time, and cannot happen without the voices of those who have suffered. Only through committing to listen, and to believe, those who have bravely shared their experiences – and those still to do so – can we truly understand the scale of the issue”.
Meanwhile, former England batter Alex Hales has kept his Big Bash contract with Sydney Thunder after holding talks with the franchise.
Hales has denied Rafiq’s allegations that he named his pet dog dog “Kevin” as part of a racially derogatory joke involving other team-mates, but has also apologised for “reckless and foolish behaviour” relating to pictures of him from a 2009 fancy dress party with his face painted black.
Hales insists that was a misguided attempt to pay tribute to rap artist Tupac Shakur and the 32-year-old was invited to discuss inclusivity at greater length by Cricket New South Wales chief executive Lee Germon ahead of his overseas stint with Thunder next month.
“There is no place in cricket – or society – for racism or discrimination,” said Germon.
I’ve spoken to Alex, I’ve watched his apology, and have no doubt he is remorseful for the photograph and the other errors of judgement he made as a young man.
“One of the hallmarks of Thunder Nation’s success is the team embraces diversity, and is a club for all. If we really believe that we also must accept people who have made mistakes.
“I’ve spoken to Alex, I’ve watched his apology, and have no doubt he is remorseful for the photograph and the other errors of judgement he made as a young man. Alex appreciates that going by today’s standards people will question his judgement and actions and he’s offered them a sincere apology.
“We want everyone who comes to a Sydney Thunder match to know it is a safe place; one of mutual respect for them and their families. Alex is aware he’s in a position where he can drive that, and he’s made it clear to me that he is determined to help.”