The Leeds Test between England and New Zealand starts at the end of the week. The only reason it’s doing so is because of a complete overhaul of Yorks cricket and the departure of key figures.
I posted about unfair dismissal cases brought by several in #1.
The ECB which runs English cricket has carried out a lengthy investigation into allegations of racism at Yorks cricket and charged a number of people. Hearings will take place in the autumn. The names of those involved were not named by the ECB but have appeared widely. One is former England captain Michael Vaughan. He has denied all allegations.
Quite how this will work is unclear. If the ECB were the employer of those involved it would be appropriate to keep names secret. However it isn’t. Rather its a regulatory body. If individuals are found guilty of racism they could face disciplinary action. However as there is no employment relation how would that work?
Meanwhile the former chairman of Yorks cricket Roger Hutton has criticised the ECB for not being more active much earlier. Of course he has his own narrative but it does raise the question of the role of the ECB itself.
The whole thing suggests a lawyer led never ending process- Jarndyce v Jarndyce. That will mean the very serious issues of racism in English cricket remain unaddressed
Finally any media covering the Third Test that thinks they can ignore all this needs to think again
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