Colin Graves has apologized “personally and unreservedly” to those subjected to racism in Yorkshire after the club’s board controversially approved a loan offer paving the way for his return as chairman.
The debt-ridden region’s long-running search for new investment has brought them back to the man who served as chairman between 2012 and 2015 before leaving the same post at the England and Wales Cricket Board.
With time running out to keep the business afloat, with almost £15 million owed to the Graves family trust and other potential investors no longer on the table, the board proposed an emergency funding bid fronted by the 75-year-old.
Members of the club will be asked to vote on the proposal at the extraordinary general assembly meeting to be held on February 2.
Graves’ reinstatement represents a divisive move given the racism scandal that has engulfed Yorkshire in recent years, an incident that occurred in part during his first stint in office.
MPs voiced their concerns, while Azeem Rafiq, the whistleblower who first shed light on the issue, told the PA news agency it would be a “sad day for everyone who has experienced racism”.
Graves has been optimistic about the issue in the past, sparking outrage last summer when he told Sky Sports News that he had not witnessed any racial discrimination during his time in charge but that “there could be a lot of joking around”.
However, he has now moved away from these comments by adopting a more conciliatory tone.
“I personally and unreservedly apologize to anyone who has experienced any form of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club,” he said in a statement.
“Discrimination or abuse based on race, ethnicity or other protected characteristics is unacceptable and will never be tolerated.
“I deeply regret some of the language I used when asked about events that occurred during my time as chairman, when I was no longer at the club. “I understand and sympathize with those who found my comments dismissive or dismissive.
“I am determined to do whatever it takes to ensure Yorkshire County Cricket Club continues to reflect the communities it represents. “The club cannot and will not succeed unless it is united in meeting the highest professional standards on and off the field.
“I would like to make clear that we accept the findings and recommendations of the report prepared by the Independent Commission for Equality in Cricket. If I am confirmed as Chairman, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work carried out over the last two years will continue.
“I hope new and old members, former players, commercial sponsors and broadcasters will work with us to ensure everyone connected with Yorkshire cricket is proud to be associated with the club.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board, which recently stepped in to provide Yorkshire with financial support in the form of cash advances, welcomed Graves’ apology but warned it would monitor the club’s behavior closely.
“Significant work has been done in Yorkshire and across cricket more broadly in recent years to tackle discrimination and make the game more inclusive, and it is vital that this continues,” a statement from the governing body said.
“We welcome Colin Graves’ determination to continue this work, his unreserved apology and his acceptance of the findings of the Independent Commission for Equality in Cricket. These promises must be implemented if Yorkshire members approve this agreement.
“In addition, the ECB continues to fulfill its ongoing role in providing effective oversight of broader governance. “There are also significant powers to hold Yorkshire County Cricket Club to account if it fails to sustain the progress and reform we have seen over the last few years.”
The threat to suspend Headingley’s right to host international cricket was previously imposed in 2021 and was lifted the following year following sweeping changes by previous chairman Lord Kamlesh Patel.
The club’s EGM announcement confirmed plans for an immediate cash injection of £1 million, followed by further funding worth £4 million within five months.
This is entirely dependent on members approving Graves’s return to a modified board, with The Hundred’s former chief executive Phillip Hodson, Sanjay Patel and Sanjeev Gandhi as non-executive directors. The first £1 million will be refundable immediately if the changes are not approved.
Graves has applied directly for the club’s membership ahead of the vote next month.
“I hope members will vote in favor of this agreement when it is presented to them,” he said.
“Yorkshire CCC is one of the most renowned sporting bodies in the country and one of the most successful clubs in world cricket. I believe the best days are still ahead of us, but success on the field cannot be achieved without financial stability off the field.
“There are huge challenges ahead to achieve this, but if the offer is accepted by members I will lead a management team that will oversee the immediate injection of capital into the club.
“Our intention is to get Yorkshire back to winning ways; grow the women’s game; and inspire a new generation of children and young adults to watch and play cricket.
“Yorkshire should be a club that is open and welcoming to everyone from all walks of life who share a passion for the game.”