Last week we were disturbed to hear the account of Azeem Rafiq, who claims the "institutional racism" he experienced at Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) left him "on the brink of suicide."

These are serious allegations which have dealt a severe blow to the confidence which the local Asian community places within YCCC.

In this country, we believe in justice and equality for all. We know diversity is the strength of any thriving society. We hold these values dearly. Racism is at the root of inhibiting the progression of any of these values and must be stopped immediately.

Cricket is synonymous with both English and South Asian culture. Our shared love of the sport is something which should unite our communities. It should never create divisions between us. The Asian community has strong roots in Yorkshire. We also play a pivotal role in the popularity of cricket within the region and make significant contributions to the club as sponsors, fans and players.

However, with a fractured relationship, we fear both YCCC and young Asian cricketers will suffer adversely.

We understand YCCC is now conducting an enquiry into this matter. However, the apparent lack of independence of the investigator does not inspire confidence in the process. Therefore, we strongly request the YCCC Board to take the following actions:

• Carry out a full independent investigation (as the club promised) of allegations made by Azeem, at all levels of Yorkshire cricket.
• Create an independent task force to implement the findings, including removing the perpetrators from YCCC.
• Appoint a representative by mutual agreement to act as an independent observer to the investigation.
• Make the results of the said investigation both transparent and public.
• Develop education and racial awareness programmes within the organisation.
• Implement a "Zero Tolerance" policy adopted by other sports to help ensure racism is eliminated at members and supporters' level.
• Work with the diverse Yorkshire community to ensure justice and equality prevail at all levels of Yorkshire cricket in the future.
• The signatories of this petition are keen to engage with YCCC as a matter of urgency. We are ready to offer our help and support to ensure this matter is appropriately resolved in a timely manner.

PRIMARY SIGNATORIES

• 13 Foundation
• Aagrah Group of Restaurants
• Abacus Tax Advisors Ltd
• Adams Fast Foods
• Ahmed Foods
• AJ Foam Ltd
• Akbars Restaurants
• Ali Baba Carpets & Furniture
• Al Omary Travel 
• Al-Halal Supermarkets
• Al Hamza Ltd
• Al Murad Tiles
• Aslam’s Interiors
• Awami Local Ltd
• Aziz Catering
• Baker and Wells Ltd
• Beeston Motor Spares Limited
• Bespoke Berries
• Biomed Care Services
• Bison Steakhouse
• Blackstone Accountancy
• Blakewater Solicitors
• Bombay Stores Wholesale Ltd
• Boxing News TV
• Bradford Decorating Centre
• Bradford Properties
• Bradford Property Rentals
• Bradford Bathrooms N Tiles
• British Muslim TV
• Brits Hair & Beauty
• Deep Sleep
• Diamond Quilting Ltd
• Dhesi Grill
• DURA Beds Ltd
• Durest Beds 
• EastZeast Restaurants
• EnKhanz
• Envision Alliance Insurance Group
• Evolution Group
• Filltex Ltd
• Gablehurst Properties
• Gane Data
• GHFAM Ltd
• Global Components UK Ltd
• Guerrilla Geek
• Handslaw Solicitors
• Haq’s
• Harley James Ltd
• HCA Group Chartered Accountants
• Healthopaedic Ltd
• Highgate Beds
• Hillcrest Wealth Management Ltd
• Howdys
• HQ Banqueting
• Hyder Beds Ltd
• IAS Oasis Ltd 
• IAS Properties 
• Ice Stone Gelato
• I.C.S (UK) Limited
• IGI Group of Companies
• Interiors 123 Ltd
• ITI Yorkshire Ltd
• Janan
• Kanaa Peena
• Khers Solicitors
• Living Islam
• Love Jacob Ltd
• Mahmood’s
• MA Living
• Manchester Superstores
• Matza & Co Ltd
• Mercy Mission UK
• MH Electrical
• Mint Properties (Yorkshire) Ltd
• Mumtaz
• My Clothing Warehouse
• My Foster Family
• My Lahore
• Nafees Bakery
• NH Properties
• Pakeezah Superstore
• Pakistan Catering
• P&B Foods
• Panorama Enterprises UK Ltd
• Pashas
• Pildacre Ltd
• Pixeleyed Pictures Limited
• Platinum Partnership Solicitors
• Proudlocks Accountants
• Quantuma
• Raising Explorers
• Rajas
• Randm Digital
• Regal PLC
• Regal Restaurant
• Revive Direct
• RF Publishing
• Rio Grande
• Royal Taj Wedding Venue
• Saffron Pastries 
• Seafresh
• Sharpes Property Auctions
• SingleMuslim.Com
• SKB Law
• Sleep Express
• Sleep Factory Ltd
• SMK Textiles Ltd
• Square Apple
• Square Foot
• SR Carpets & Furnishings UK
• Street Soccer Ltd
• Sueno Ltd
• The Donut Company
• Tyler Hoffman Solicitors
• Ultimate Bakery 
• Verage Ltd
• Web Square
• White Abbey Ballroom
• Worldwide Foods
• Your Choice Estate Agents
• Zenith Care
• Zeroland Digital Ltd
• '8:46": I Can’t Breathe Limited