Colin Graves has apologised “personally and unreservedly” to those who experienced racism during his scandal-scarred period at Yorkshire as he prepares to make a controversial return to the English county cricket club as its chairman.
The county team’s long search for fresh investment has brought it back to the person who served as Yorkshire chairman from 2012-2015 before leaving for the same role at the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Yorkshire last year admitted to a charge by the ECB of failing to deal with systemic use of racist and discriminatory language over a period between 2004 and 2021, including the years when it was under Graves’ leadership.
He has previously said that no allegations of racism were raised to him and he was criticised by the ECB for suggesting some racist incidents were “banter.”
Graves’ likely reinstatement represents a divisive move considering the scandal which engulfed Yorkshire and the ECB said on Thursday there were “significant powers which can be used to hold Yorkshire CCC to account if it does not continue with the progress and reform we have seen over the last few years.”
Graves adopted a conciliatory tone in his latest comments about the racism scandal.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“I am determined to do whatever is required 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 its commitment to meet the highest professional standards, on and off the field.”
Graves said the work on diversity and inclusion “that has been carried out over the last two years will continue” if he returns.
With time running out for Yorkshire to keep the business viable, almost Stg 15 million ($A29 million) owed to the Graves family trust and a host of other potential investors no longer at the table, the county’s board has recommended an emergency funding offer fronted by the 75-year-old.
The club’s membership will be asked to vote through the proposal at an extraordinary general meeting on February 2.
“Yorkshire CCC is one of the most illustrious sporting institutions in the country and one of the most successful clubs in world cricket,” Graves said. “I believe its best days still lie ahead, but success on the field cannot be achieved without financial stability off the pitch.”
i Yorkshire