By Stephen Vaughan

Dear member,

Tomorrow morning Board representatives from the Club will attend a hearing on sanctions, following the admission of four amended charges brought by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) earlier this year. The date coincides with the publication of the long-awaited Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report into the wider state of the game.

Racism and discrimination in any form is unacceptable and, as a Board, we have been clear on the need to take accountability for the historical cultural issues that allowed racist and discriminatory behaviour to go unchallenged at the Club. The acceptance of four amended charges brought by the CDC was part of a continued effort to acknowledge what happened in the past so we can learn and move forward.

Over the past couple of years, the reputational and financial impact of the racism crisis included the loss of sponsors and the removal of the privilege of hosting international cricket at Headingley, which was reinstated following the Club demonstrating adherence to a stringent ten-point plan outlined by the ECB. The Club has made significant investments to put in place best practice processes and procedures, as well as driving equality, diversity and inclusion through a new framework and taking important steps to improve the matchday experience to encourage greater inclusivity and tackle discrimination. This is in addition to the positive work we have done to transform our Performance Pathway and ensure young cricketers from all backgrounds can take part regardless of their economic circumstances.

As fans, I am aware this period of uncertainty has been particularly unsettling. Your continued support throughout challenging times has helped to keep the club afloat. I am optimstic that your patience and dedication will be rewarded many times over as we look to a bright future ahead. You remain the lifeblood of this great Club and we will continue to build it in dialogue with you.

We do not expect sanctions to be announced during tomorrow’s hearing. The range of sanctions the CDC has as its disposal include a caution as to future conduct, a reprimand, a fine without limit and points deductions. I want to assure you that we are focused on achieving a reasonable sanction which takes into account our acceptance of the charges, YCCC’s financial position and the robust work we have undertaken to build the foundations for a Club which is truly inclusive and welcoming to all.

I will be sure to provide an update in due course, and we will be responding to the ICEC findings once we have had sight of the report.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best,

Stephen

Related News

View all news
Maddie Ward

Ward reacts to successful Fox hunt

“It wasn’t the perfect performance, but, you know, a good outcome.” That was all-round contributor Maddie Ward’s assessment of Yorkshire’s six-wicket victory over the Leicestershire Foxes at Clifton Park in York today. 

Read more
Maddie Ward

Report: Yorkshire Women v Leicestershire Foxes, Metro Bank ODC 2

Vice captain Maddie Ward contributed with ball and then bat to help Yorkshire win a fifth successive match across all competitions, this one by six wickets against Leicestershire Foxes in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup 2 at York’s Clifton Park. 

Read more
York

Live: Yorkshire Women v Leicestershire, Metro Bank ODC2

Yorkshire's women are in 50-over action against Leicestershire at Clifton Park, York today. They are aiming for a third win in this competition and a fifth in all competitions. Follow our blog for live updates.

Read more

Sign up to our newsletter

For all the latest news, previews, ticket, membership and Premium Experiences information and more exciting content from Yorkshire Cricket and the Northern Diamonds straight to your inbox, subscribe now.

To view our privacy policy, click here.