England Test captain Joe Root said the Yorkshire
racism controversy has “fractured our game and torn lives apart”, adding he
will offer support to the club in order to make cricket “better for everyone”.

Former Yorkshire all-rounder Azeem Rafiq alleged
that he was a victim of institutional racism at the county club. A report
later found that the Pakistan-born Englishman was subjected to “racial
harassment and bullying” but the club said they will not take action against
anyone, according to the BBC.

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“I want to see change and actions that will
see Yorkshire County Cricket Club rise from this with a culture that harnesses
a diverse environment with trust across all communities that support cricket in
the county,” Root said in a statement.

“I will reach out to YCCC new chair Lord
Patel to offer support, however I’m able. I just want the sport to be a place
where everyone is enjoying it for the beautiful game it is and feels equal and
safe. We need to educate, unify and reset,” Root added.

Root, who is currently in Australia as part
of England’s training camp ahead of the upcoming Ashes series, made his second-team
debut with Yorkshire in 2007, before making the first-team in 2009.

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When asked if he had witnessed any
instances of racism at Yorkshire, Root said, “Not that I can recall, but it’s
clear things have happened at the club.”

Born in Karachi, Rafiq moved to England aged
10 and played the majority of his career, from 2008 to 2018, at Yorkshire. He
was also the captain of England’s youth teams and Yorkshire captain in 2012.

Rafiq told ESPNcricinfo in August 2020 that
the racism he faced at Yorkshire nearly led him to suicide. He dreaded “every
second” of his career and a teammate would often use racially offensive terms
related to his Pakistani heritage, he told the BBC.

“It hurts knowing this has happened at YCCC
so close to home. It’s my club that I care passionately about it. I’ve spent a
lot of time reflecting. There is no debate about racism, no one side or other.
It is simply intolerable,” Root said.