Former Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale says he will not take part in what he calls a “polluted” disciplinary process instigated by the Cricket Board of England and Wales over allegations of racism in the county.
The ECB announced earlier this month that Yorkshire and “some people” had been charged following an investigation into allegations of racism made by Gale’s former teammate Azeem Rafiq and how those allegations had been made. been managed by the county.
Gale was sacked by Yorkshire last year, but earlier this month won an unfair dismissal lawsuit against the club.
When announcing the charges, the ECB said the Cricket Disciplinary Committee would hear the cases in September and October. Gale has confirmed that he has been accused of discrediting the game, but has indicated that he will not be involved with the process.
Gale said in a statement on Wednesday: “As a starting point, let me say that I was very disappointed when Azeem’s original complaints first caught my attention.
“To avoid any doubt, I deny each and every one of the allegations Azeem raised with YCCC and then through the ECB suggesting that I used racist language and harassed Azeem. At first I was surprised, but now I am angry that I have raised these accusations against me.
“This decision has not been easy to make. I know that it is very easy for the ECB to work with Azeem and seek to impose some form of sanction on me when there is none. Let’s be honest, the ECB, in charging me without an interview, is clearly looking to make it happen no matter what. No doubt, YCCC will applaud that, to avoid compensating the staff, he fired unfairly.
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“I am not willing to get involved in a tainted process when the relationship between the club, certain media and Azeem is as close as it is. I have received personal abuse and have had reasons to leave home at times.
“I was unfairly fired and I will allow the Labor Court to determine what compensation I am entitled to. Even a maximum award will not compensate me for the loss I have suffered and will continue to suffer, but I will accept what has been granted to me. I also accept that the people who read this statement have the right to believe me or not as they see fit ”.