by Colin Graves has apologized “personally and unreservedly” to those who suffered racism in Yorkshire after the club’s board approved a loan bid that paved the way for his return as controversial chairman.
The county’s long search for fresh investment has brought back the man who was chairman between 2012 and 2015 before leaving for the same role at the England and Wales Cricket Board.
With time running out to keep the business viable, almost £15 million owed to the Graves family trust and many other potential investors no longer on the board, the board has proposed an emergency funding offer before the 75-year-old.
The club membership will be asked to vote through the proposal at an extraordinary general meeting on February 2.
Graves’s replacement, which is expected to go ahead, is a divisive move considering the racism scandal that has gripped Yorkshire in recent years, an incident which took place in part during his first spell in charge .
Azeem Rafiq, the whistleblower who first shed light on the issue, told the PA news agency it would be a “sad day for all those who have suffered racism”, and MPs have raised concerns.
Graves has had the issue in the past, angering him last summer when he told Sky Sports News that while he had not seen any racial discrimination during his tenure “there could be a lot of abuse”. .
But he has now moved to adopt a more conciliatory tone and distance himself from those views.
“I apologize personally and unreservedly to anyone who has suffered any form of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club,” he said in a statement.
“Discrimination or abuse based on race, ethnicity or any other protected characteristic will not and will not be tolerated.
“I regret some of the language I used when I was asked about the events that took place when I was chairman, when I was no longer at the club. I understand and empathize with those who find my comments disrespectful or careless.
“I am determined to do whatever it takes to ensure that Yorkshire County Cricket Club continues to represent the communities it represents. The club cannot and will not succeed if it is not united in its commitment to achieve the highest professional standards, on and off the field.
“I want to make it clear that we accept the findings of the report made by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket and its recommendations. If I am confirmed as chairman, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work that has been done over the past two years will continue.
“I hope that new and older members, former players, commercial sponsors and broadcasters will work with us to ensure that everyone involved in Yorkshire cricket is proud to be associated with the club.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board, which recently stepped in to provide financial support to Yorkshire in the form of cash advances, welcomed Graves’ apology but warned it would keep a close eye on the club’s behaviour.
“Yorkshire – and across cricket more broadly – have done significant work in recent years to tackle discrimination and make the game more inclusive, and it is vital that this continues,” read a statement from governing body.
“We welcome Colin Graves’ commitment to continue this work, his unreserved apology and acceptance of the findings of the Independent Fairness Commission in Cruick. These words must be put into action if Yorkshire members approve this measure.
“In addition, the ECB continues to exercise its ongoing role in ensuring effective oversight of governance throughout the world. There are also significant powers that can be used to hold Yorkshire County Cricket Club to account if it does not continue the progress and reform we have seen in recent years.”
The threat of suspending Headingley’s right to host international cricket was previously imposed in 2021 and ended the following year following sweeping changes by former chairman Lord Kamlesh Patel.
The club’s EGM announcement confirmed that there are plans for an immediate cash injection of £1m, followed by a further funding of £4m over five months.
All of that is dependent on members confirming Graves’ return to a reshuffled board alongside deputy Phillip Hodson, former The Hundred managing director Sanjay Patel and Sanjeev Gandhi as non-executive directors. The initial £1m would be immediately refundable if those changes were not approved.
Graves made a direct appeal to the club’s membership ahead of their vote next month.
“I hope that members will vote in favor of this agreement when it is put to them,” he said.
“Yorkshire CCC is one of the most successful sporting institutions in the country and one of the most successful cricket clubs in the world. I believe his best days are still ahead of him, but success on the field cannot be achieved without financial stability off the field.
“We face huge challenges to achieve this. But if the members accept the offer, I will lead a management team that will immediately oversee the injection of capital into the club.
“We intend to return Yorkshire to winning ways; growing the women’s game; and encouraging a new generation of children and young adults to watch and play cricket.
“Yorkshire must be a club that is open and welcoming to everyone who has a passion for the game, from all walks of life.”
