Yorkshire’s Azeem Rafiq requested the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to investigate a year-old incident of racism at the organization. Yorkshire began an inquiry in September 2020, and shortly after his recent statements, the management issued a statement acknowledging that the player had been the subject of “inappropriate behavior.” Here is Joe Root Opinion On Racism.
Joe Root Opinion On Racism
England captain Joe Root has also spoken out on the subject of racism, believing that everyone has a responsibility to discover innovative methods to make the sport more inclusive. Joe Root voiced his regret over what Rafiq go through over his time with the team, as a former teammate and close associate of Azeem.
“As a former team-mate and friend, it’s hard to see Azeem hurting as he is. More than anything, it just shows that there is a lot of work we have to do in the game. It’s a societal issue in my opinion. We have seen it in other sports; we have seen it in other areas. As a sport, we have got to keep trying to find ways of making sure this isn’t a conversation that keeps happening”.
I think it is really important we have the moment of unity: Joe Root
“We have got to find ways of creating more opportunities, making our game more diverse and educating better. I don’t think that just comes from players and administrators: it’s from everyone in the game. There has got to be a want and a will to do that. It is something we have to prioritize as a sport and make sure this isn’t something that happens again further down the line,” Root said in an Interaction.
Likewise, before the 3rd Test versus India at Headingley, Joe Root stated that his side will observe a “moment of unity” to demonstrate sympathy with those who are victims of prejudice. He also believes that this togetherness demonstrates that the activity is for everybody and no one should be treated just because of their skin colour or other factors.
“I think it is really important we have the moment of unity. We have to keep showing the sport is for everyone and that we are desperate to make everyone feel welcome to it. It’s such a brilliant sport and should be open to everyone. We have to do more, I get that”.
“But, as a team, it is a big focus for us to make the game for everyone and to make it as welcoming as we can. I know we keep talking about it but I am desperate to do something about it. Hopefully, in time, you can see that come into action,” the English skipper concluded.
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