In emotional testimony, the former Yorkshire player Azim Rafik Said he and other Asian players in the home locker room Known as “Kevin” many times In a derogatory way.The term was initiated by the then Captain of Yorkshire Gary BallanceAccording to Rafik, it has become so common that it has also spread to the England dressing room.
“Kevin is what Gary used to describe everyone of color,” he said. “This is an open secret in the England dressing room. It is used in a derogatory way.
“When Gary and Alex Hales played together for England, their relationship was very close, which is my understanding. Alex continued to name his dog Kevin because he is black. This What a disgusting joke.”
Rafik said that he is not clear why and exactly how the name is used to describe him and other Asian players in the team, but he said that he uses the name in a negative way every time.
At the same time, Indian batsman Chetshwar Pukhara joined Yorkshire after Rafik left and was known as “Steve”. He said Pujara was dissatisfied with this description, which has become so common that it is used by clubs, commentators and even newspapers.
Earlier this month, Ballance issued a statement saying He regrets using “racial slander” And he did not “understand that it made Rafa feel painful”, and the two have been close friends during the game.
But when talking to the DCMS committee on Tuesday, Rafik shot back: “There is a saying that we are the best partners. When Gary came to the club, I saw what I saw in myself… outsiders.
“My relationship with Gary started to deteriorate. Once, his behavior was so disgusting that I brought it up to an agent we shared. After that, we were amiable, but we never shared the same again. Relationship.
“When Gary took over as captain, he discovered that it was a real fight. It was toxic in many ways. I tried to help Gary and the team, but it was obvious that I would be the one selected.”
Hales has not yet commented on Rafik’s remarks.
