Azeem Rafiq reveals use of word ‘Steve’ for Cheteshwar Pujara and ‘Kevin’ by Gary Ballance in racist context

Azeem Rafiq spoke in detail about one-time Yorkshire captain Gary Ballance. Notably, Ballance admitted using a ‘racial slur’ towards Rafiq in a lengthy statement issued earlier this month, apologising but stating it as part of a long and deep friendship.

Azeem Rafiq on Tuesday (November 16) in the parliamentary select committee hearing revealed how former England batter Gary Ballance used the term ‘Kevin’ in a derogatory manner. MPs heard from former cricketer Azeem Rafiq in the DCMS hearing, about his calls for disciplinary action to be taken by Yorkshire County Cricket Club following its investigation which found he had been subjected to racial harassment and bullying.

Rafiq spoke in detail about one-time Yorkshire captain Gary Ballance. Notably, Ballance admitted using a ‘racial slur’ towards Rafiq in a lengthy statement issued earlier this month, apologising but stating it as part of a long and deep friendship.

But Rafiq told the committee that was not an accurate depiction of their relationship. Asked by chair Julian Knight about the term ‘Kevin’, he said it was an offensive, racist term. “Kevin was a something Gary used to describe anyone of colour in a very derogatory manner. It was an open secret in the England dressing room,” he said. “Anyone who came across Gary would know that was a phrase he would use to describe people of colour.”