Hi John,

When he played for Yorkshire Cricket Club, Azeem Rafiq was called “a P*ki”, and derogatory comments about Asian men and corner shops were regularly thrown his way. This racist bullying was reportedly written off as “friendly banter” by his club.

His recent revelations have rocked the cricket world as well as shining a spotlight on structural racism in sport and society at large. Off the back of these events we are launching our new cricket education project as part of our commitment to #RunRacismOut both on and off the pitch. 

You can be part of the solution by buying our new ‘Racism is not banter’ t-shirt. 100% of the profits will go towards delivering anti-hate training to cricket clubs across the UK. It would also make a great Christmas present if you’re still looking for ideas! 

Over the last few weeks the HOPE not hate community has been campaigning in solidarity with those affected by the hate brought to light by Azeem Rafiq’s revelations. This has included: 

• Thousands of people signing an open letter calling on Yorkshire CCC to release their report into racism at the club
• Over 500 pieces of media coverage drawing attention to the abuse cricketers have suffered
• Briefing numerous MPs on steps they can take to address racism in the sport

Yorkshire’s CCC chair Roger Hutton resigned and acknowledged the club was institutionally racist. Yet it is clear that there is still some way to go in making cricket a welcoming and inclusive space for all who wish to play. 

If you want to be part of long-term efforts to end racism in cricket, buy your ‘Racism is not banter’ t-shirt here to support educational training at clubs across the country.

Thank you for everything you do,

The whole HOPE not hate team

PS. If you’re celebrating Christmas and still looking for the perfect gift, check out the HOPE not hate shop. It’s packed full of products that spread the message of anti-facism while also helping to fund our work - check it out here (and remember to get your orders in before 10th December to guarantee delivery before Christmas!)