Kane Williamson hopes for ‘healing’ of Yorkshire club after racism concerns

Kane Williamson hopes for ‘healing’ of Yorkshire club after racism concerns

Kane Williamson hopes for ‘healing’ of Yorkshire club after racism concerns

New Zeeland skipper Kane Williamson – Twitter

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  • Azeem was the first man to raise the racism issue.
  • Gale won the lawsuit for unjust dismissal.
  • England will look to win their third test against New Zealand after inning the first two.
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New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson hopes for “healing” at his old team Yorkshire before the third Test against England that was almost rescheduled due of a racism scandal.

Former Yorkshire off-spinner Azeem Rafiq first raised racism and bullying charges in September 2020.

Read more: New Yorkshire chairman praises Rafiq for speaking out on racism

Last year, Rafiq testified before a parliamentary committee, increasing the pressure on Yorkshire for its previous refusal to pursue disciplinary action.

This ultimately resulted in a major exodus of senior board members and coaching staff.

Additionally, the England and Wales Cricket Board threatened to withdraw lucrative internationals from Headingley if modifications were not made.

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Reforms advocated by the new chairman, Kamlesh Patel, averted a potential financial calamity for Yorkshire.

ECB disciplinary complaints have been filed against the club and “a number of individuals,” who have yet to be identified by officials.

Andrew Gale, a former Yorkshire coach, won a suit for unjust dismissal last month, leaving the club with the possibility of paying compensation.

Read more: Former cricket coach wins claim against Yorkshire after racism row

Kane Williamson, an overseas signing for Yorkshire from 2014 until 2018, was noncommittal when asked about racist abuse.

However, the batsman expressed hope that Rafiq’s evidence would yield some positive results.

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“It’s been incredibly sad to see what’s unfolded,” said Williamson. “I can only hope that something positive comes out of it and the awareness that it’s created to move forward in a positive manner.

“There is no space for racism or discrimination in sport or society. I was here for a few brief stints and enjoyed my time at Yorkshire.

“There were some issues that were made aware more recently and you can only hope that there is healing.

“There’s been a huge amount of awareness throughout the whole world, efforts to continue that awareness and make it a more inclusive place, whether in sport or other workplaces.”

Ben Stokes, captain of England, responded to a question regarding racism by stating that his team realized they had “a responsibility on the field, as well as off the field.”

The team led by Stokes will seek to sweep the three-Test series on Thursday in Leeds, having won both previous matches by five wickets.

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Read more: England’s Jamie Overton to make Test debut against New Zealand

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