Yorkshire has lost its right to host international matches following the handling of racism allegations made against the county by former player Azeem Rafiq. Kamlesh Patel was subsequently appointed president last November to help oversee structural, major changes in the county, but a proposed special general meeting to approve the changes was canceled on two separate occasions, with former president Robin Smith saying. will vote against the reforms. With the Cricket Commission of England and Wales promising to lift the ban on hosting international matches on condition that certain conditions are met by the end of March, Yorkshire faced the prospect of a day that could have a serious impact on the county’s long-term finances. proposals rejected by members. But at Headingley’s famous Long Room on Thursday night, more than 80% of the 1,100 members who attended and through a proxy voted in favor of the changes. The appointment of Lord Patel as chairman – something Smith described as “void” – received the seal of approval before members voted in favor of removing the Graves Trust and appointing six non-executive directors to the association’s board. Patel said: “We welcome the outcome of this Extraordinary Assembly and thank the Members for their thorough and thorough consideration, open exchange of views and votes. It means that Yorkshire can host international matches against New Zealand and South Africa this summer, in the process of avoiding a major financial crisis. It is an overwhelming vote for positive change. The Spin: sign up and receive our weekly email cricket. “This support will help the Yorkshire County Cricket Club be an inclusive and welcoming place and give us the clarity and confidence we need to continue to build this great club. “Yorkshire is now eligible for the ECB to return to international cricket and, working with them, we will be delivering some great events here at Headingley this summer.” Rafik was pleased that the measures were passed, writing on Twitter: “I am relieved to see Lord Patel’s reforms being supported today and that Yorkshire members have chosen a bright, inclusive future for my club. “Great opportunity to show the world what can be achieved when you have strong leadership and good people.” I was relieved to see Lord Patel’s reforms supported today and that Yorkshire members have chosen a bright future without exclusions for my club Great opportunity to show the world what can be achieved when you have strong leadership and good people 👏🏽👏🏽 – Azeem Rafiq (@ AzeemRafiq30) March 31, 2022 The ECB welcomed the news, but insisted that there was still much work to be done at Headingley. “We are pleased that the members of Yorkshire have given their overwhelming support to these reforms,” said an ECB spokesman. “This is an important step forward in making real changes and determining the club’s course for an inclusive future. We welcome the progress that Lord Patel has made so far, as well as his commitment to making the club of which everyone, from all backgrounds, can be proud. “With these governance reforms in place, we are pleased that international cricket can now be presented at Headingley this summer. However, there is still a lot of work to be done in Yorkshire and it is important that the plans that have been drawn up so far are implemented. “We will continue to monitor progress closely.”
