The ECB have released a statement in response to Colin Graves anticipated return as chair of Yorkshire CCC, which is subject to approval from the county’s membership in early February.

Yorkshire CCC released a letter sent to its membership this morning (January 11), detailing the proposal for Graves’ takeover. The letter outlined that the club is in almost £17 million worth of debt, and Graves’ refinancing plan would allow the club to continue as a members-owned county, while also providing them with a sustainable financial future. Should the proposal be approved by the membership, Graves would advance Yorkshire a loan of £1 million and be immediately appointed to the club’s board.

However, Graves history at the club has generated controversy over his return. Graves was previously chair at Yorkshire from 2012-2015 before he took over as chairman of the ECB. His response to the allegations of systemic racism from Azeem Rafiq around Graves’ time in charge of Yorkshire have been scrutinised during the lead up to his potential return to the club. In an interview with Sky Sports last year, Graves stated that he had never witnessed racism at the club. 

At the time, the ECB condemned Graves’ comments. In anticipation of Graves’ return to Yorkshire, the ECB have released another – less critical – statement. It reads: “The ECB notes today’s announcement by Yorkshire County Cricket Club. We have been in regular contact with the club’s leadership as it has sought to address significant financial challenges, and understand they concluded that this proposal was their only viable option to address the situation the club is in and put it on a sustainable footing.

“Considerable work has been carried out at Yorkshire – and across cricket more widely – in recent years to tackle discrimination and make the game more inclusive, and it is vital this continues. We welcome Colin Graves’ commitment to continue this work, his unreserved apology and acceptance of the findings of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC). These words must be put into action if Yorkshire members approve this deal.

Not fit to govern https://t.co/h30gIghU8r

— Azeem Rafiq (@AzeemRafiq30) January 11, 2024

“Yorkshire is an incredibly diverse area and the club’s iconic status means it has a huge opportunity to be at the forefront of the sport’s work to become more inclusive. We have been working with the club for some time to support its work in breaking down barriers and becoming more welcoming to people from all backgrounds, and we will continue to do so as we deliver on the actions set out in response to the ICEC.

“In addition, the ECB continues to exercise its ongoing role of ensuring effective oversight of governance across the wider game. There are also significant powers which can be used to hold Yorkshire County Cricket Club to account if it does not continue with the progress and reform we have seen over the last few years.”

In a statement also released today, Graves apologised to victims of racism at the club. “I apologise personally and unreservedly to anyone who experienced any form of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club,” read the statement. “Discrimination or abuse based on race, ethnicity or any other protected characteristic is not and never will be acceptable.”

“I profoundly regret some of the language I used when asked about the events that took place when I was chairman, at a time when I was no longer at the club. I understand and sympathise with those who regarded my comments as dismissive or uncaring.”

The club EGM to approve Graves’ takeover will be held on February 2.

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