Michael Vaughan has temporarily resigned from commentary duties with the BBC, with the former England captain saying on Tuesday that he was embroiled in a racism controversy involving former Yorkshire player Azim Rafiq.
Pakistani-origin player Rafiq alleged that Vaughan told him and two other players of Asian descent that “there are too many of you guys, we need to do something about it” before a match in 2009. Vaughan has vehemently denied the allegations. ,
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Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) and several individuals were charged after investigating the claims.
Vaughan said the main reason he stepped down was his family’s “concern for the welfare”.
“On several occasions, I have expressed my views on issues related to YCCC. It is always regrettable when off-field matters are diverted from commentary to what is happening on the field,” Vaughan said on Twitter.
“Given the ongoing conversation on this subject, I have decided to step down from my work with the BBC for the time being. Temporarily retreating is also in the interest of the game and I hope it eases any hardships for my work colleagues. ,
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Vaughan was previously dropped from BBC coverage of the Ashes series in Australia last year, but returned to the commentary team for England’s Test series against New Zealand.
BBC Sport’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Group sent a letter calling the decision “absolutely unforgivable” and a “shocking miscalculation”.
In a statement, the BBC said they respected Vaughan’s decision.
“After talks with Michael Vaughan, we have accepted his decision to withdraw from our cricket coverage. This is a decision that we respect and understand. Michael is under contract to the BBC,” read a statement from the BBC.
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