Azeem Rafiq's cricketing journey began in 2001 when he moved to England from Pakistan. Rising through the ranks, he showcased his leadership skills by captaining England's Under-15 and Under-17 teams. Rafiq's talent was further evident as he progressed through Yorkshire's age groups, culminating in a historic moment in 2012 when he became the youngest and first person of Asian origin to captain a Yorkshire side. In September 2020, Azeem Rafiq courageously came forward with accusations of racism and bullying within Yorkshire cricket. Subsequent investigations validated many of his claims, sparking widespread media attention. The fallout resulted in multiple resignations within the club and prompted inquiries by the ECB and the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee in the UK Parliament.
Recently, Azeem authored a book titled "It's Not Banter, It's Racism," revealing the untold truth behind the racism accusations that garnered national attention. The book chronicles Rafiq's journey from speaking up about racism to the consequential events that have profoundly impacted his life. In an interview with Asian Voice, Azeem spoke about the process of creating the book, diversity and inclusion in cricket and much more.
Can you walk us through the process of creating "It’s Not Banter, It’s Racism"? From initial concept to publication, what were the key stages and who were the important contributors along the way?
It has taken two and a half years, an incredible journey. The idea for the book first emerged around 2021, discussed with my agent and potential ghostwriters. After numerous meetings with various publishing houses, we settled on Orion Publishing, where the editor's British South Asian background resonated with us. From there, the process proved challenging, but ultimately rewarding. Sharing my experiences and having them translated into words was a profound journey, particularly as my case was ongoing. Despite initial challenges, as time passed and my case concluded, I felt ready to proceed. Though I had to change ghostwriters along the way, we persevered, working tirelessly to complete the book. I'm immensely proud of the outcome and hopeful that it will offer insight and inspire positive change for readers.
Can you share some of the key experiences and stories from the book that highlight the racism you faced in cricket?
The book delves into my experiences, from immigrating to the UK post-9/11 to the racism I encountered in cricket and society. It highlights the normalisation of derogatory terms and the challenges faced in the Yorkshire dressing room, including incidents like being forced to drink red wine at 15. Additionally, it addresses the backlash and intimidation I faced after speaking out, including attacks on my parents' house and abusive messages on social media.
Were there any challenges you faced while writing and publishing this book?
Initially, when I signed on for the book, I had a certain vision of what it would achieve. However, by the time I finished it, that vision had evolved significantly. Writing the book while the case was ongoing was incredibly challenging due to my fluctuating emotions. It was crucial to ensure the cause was not forgotten despite the constant personal attacks I faced. I focused on using my platform responsibly, avoiding the temptation to respond to these attacks, and instead aimed to keep the conversation at the forefront while seeking solutions. I know the system would prefer me to stop holding them accountable, but I must continue doing so.
How can grassroots cricket and other sports be more inclusive to people from diverse backgrounds?
Firstly, it's crucial to recognise the underlying reasons for implementing change, rather than merely doing so for appearance's sake. Understanding the necessity of creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive is paramount. This involves examining existing structures to ensure they support inclusivity and don't inadvertently perpetuate discrimination. For instance, in recreational sports like cricket, which often centres around alcohol, there's a need to reassess such practices to foster greater inclusivity. Sports culture often excludes those who don't drink, including British Muslims or individuals recovering from alcoholism. Recreational cricket, in particular, faces significant accessibility issues due to high costs, which need government and authority intervention. Acknowledging these problems is the first step, followed by understanding specific local issues and implementing tailored, organic changes to foster inclusivity.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
Through the pages, readers will witness my experiences and the abuse I endured, along with my journey of speaking out and seeking resolution. I hope the book offers concrete solutions and encourages meaningful structural change rather than mere sound bites. From a South Asian community perspective, it's crucial to ensure our voices are represented and hold accountable those in positions of power who may not be doing enough. This conversation about racism shouldn't be comfortable, but it's necessary for progress.
