Sir Andrew Strauss has called for "dressing room banter" in cricket to be "softened" after issuing a damming verdict on current player behaviour in cricket.
The issue was ignited in November 2021 when former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq gave evidence of alleged racial harassment and bullying at the club to a DCMS Committee. Disciplinary hearings relating to allegations of racism at Yorkshire are due to take place in March.
A number of Strauss's former teammates have been caught up in the controversy, with Michael Vaughan accused by Rafiq of making a racist comment to Yorkshire's Asian playing contingent. Former England international Gary Ballance, now representing Zimbabwe, has also apologised to the former all-rounder for making repeated racial slurs.
