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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Azeem Rafiq reacts as ECB lift Yorkshire's international suspension amid racism scandal

Azeem Rafiq believes the ECB 's decision to lift Yorkshire 's ban on staging international games is "the correct decision".

Yorkshire were initially suspended from hosting "international or major matches" by the ECB in November due to the "wholly unacceptable" way they handled Rafiq's allegations of racism.

However, following major changes at the club, which have included the appointment of an entirely new board and coaching staff, the ECB have lifted the ban.

Yorkshire are scheduled to host an England Test match against New Zealand in June and an ODI against South Africa in July, as well as an Ashes Test next year and these fixtures are set to go ahead as planned.

Azeem Rafiq has welcomed the ECB's decision (PA)

In a statement, the ECB said the club had made "good progress", but said their decision was conditional on "resolving the issues relating to rules changes and decisions at the club which have been subject to procedural flaws" and "amendments to club rules relating to the appointment and operation of the Board, including removal of Graves Trust powers."

These requirements will need to be implemented by the end of March.

Reacting to the news on Twitter, Rafiq praised the efforts of Yorkshire chair Lord Patel, stating that the club have "already come a long way".

He wrote: "This is the correct decision by the ECB - under lord patel the club has shown a real willingness to change & have already come a long way.

"His leadership has earned the club another chance but the reforms must continue and we must see real change."

ECB interim chair Barry O'Brien said: "Alongside the progress already made, we considered many factors in reaching our decision.

"Amongst them, the impact on fans who have bought tickets in good faith and the young people who will benefit from Yorkshire’s improved outreach and pathway provisions.

"Finally, the Board was mindful that the return of international cricket will support continued change and progress at the Club.

"I very much hope that the traumatic events that have taken place at Yorkshire over the past several months and years will act as a catalyst for increasing the pace of change throughout the game.’"

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