Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq accused his team of “institutional racism”, saying his experiences at the English team left him close to suicide, reported news agency AFP. The 29-year-old former England youth captain quit cricket after leaving Yorkshire in 2018.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Pakistan-born spinner Rafiq said he felt, as a Muslim, he was made to feel like an “outsider”.

“I know how close I was to committing suicide during my time at Yorkshire,” AFP quoted Rafiq as saying to ESPNcricinfo.

Also read | BCCI contingent member tests COVID-19 positive in UAE ahead of IPL

“I was living my family’s dream as a professional cricketer, but inside I was dying. I was dreading going to work. I was in pain every day.

“There were times I did things to try and fit in that, as a Muslim, I now look back on and regret. I’m not proud of it at all.

“But as soon as I stopped trying to fit in, I was an outsider.”

He added: “It’s obvious to anyone who cares that there’s a problem. Do I think there is institutional racism? It’s at its peak in my opinion. It’s worse than it’s ever been.”

In response to Rafiq’s allegations, Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton pledged to review the county’s policies and culture.

Also Read: Lasith Malinga withdraws from IPL, Mumbai Indians rope in James Pattinson

“We are in the process of finalising the structure of this investigation and we will be approaching impartial external parties to be part of the review to ensure complete transparency,” Hutton said.

“We fully acknowledge that just as in many walks of life, sport, including cricket and Yorkshire as a club, must do better to fully promote a culture of zero tolerance to racism or any form of prejudice.

“We accepted a long time ago that change was needed at Headingley to improve diversity, especially in terms of racial inclusivity.

“We have tried to make contact with Azeem this week to discuss his experiences, and will make further contact in the weeks ahead as it’s important that we hear his grievances in as much detail as possible.”

Rafiq, who made his first-class debut for Yorkshire in 2009, admitted his claims could damage his chances of returning to cricket.

“Yorkshire don’t want to listen and they don’t want to change,” he said.

“And part of the reason for that is the people who were involved in the incidents I’m talking about are still at the club. They just want to sweep it under the carpet.

“But not this time. Not again. I know what I’m doing here. I know that by speaking out I’m damaging my chances of working in the game again.”

Also read | RCB’s Virat Kohli appreciation post is winning hearts on Internet

Asked about Rafiq’s complaints, Eoin Morgan, England’s limited international captain, admitted there is room for more conversation about the issue.

“An area where we can be better is telling people our story more, getting comfortable talking about growing up in a different country or growing up in a different environment within this country and our journey to where we are today,”