‘Racism is cancer’: Adil confirms allegations

England leg-spinner Adil Rashid has  backed former Yorkshire team-mate  Azeem Rafiq’s accusation of racism  against Michael Vaughan, saying he can  “confirm” the former captain’s comments  were directed at a group of Asian players. Rafiq had made allegations of institutional racism against Yorkshire, whom  Vaughan formerly captained and Rashid  still plays for. He had claimed that Vaughan  said to a group of the team’s Asian players  that there were “too many of you lot, we  need to do something about it” before a  match in 2009.

“Racism is cancer in all walks of life and  unfortunately in professional sports too,  and is something which of course has to  be stamped out,” Rashid said.

Rashid is the second of Rafiq’s teammates to support his allegations, with former Pakistan bowler Rana Naved ul-Hasan  having also said he heard Vaughan’s comment. However, Vaughan has categorically  denied Rafiq’s allegations.