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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Yorkshire to host Test cricket in 2022 despite racism scandal as ECB restore fixtures

Yorkshire have had their ban from hosting "international or major matches" lifted by the ECB, the club have confirmed.

The county were hit with the ban three months ago in the wake of the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal, with the ECB saying they would only lift the suspension when Yorkshire "has clearly demonstrated that it can meet the standards of an international venue, ECB member and first-class county".

Since then, major changes have occurred at Yorkshire, with an entirely new board and coaching staff put in place.

New chair Lord Patel had warned that the club would face a "huge financial crisis" without being able to host England games and he has been pushing for Yorkshire's international status to be reinstated.

Now, the ECB have decided to allow Yorkshire to host major matches again, following a meeting with the club.

Yorkshire's ban on staging England games has been lifted by the ECB, three months after it was imposed on them amid the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal (AFP via Getty Images)

Yorkshire are currently scheduled to host an England Test match against New Zealand in June and an ODI against South Africa in July, as well as an Ashes Test next year.

In a statement, Yorkshire said the ECB "acknowledged the hard work and good progress" they have made, but said the decision was conditional on two further requirements being met by the end of March.

They are "resolving the issues relating to rules changes and decisions at the club which have been subject to procedural flaws" and "amendments to club rules relating to the appointment and operation of the Board, including removal of Graves Trust powers".

ECB interim chair Barry O'Brien said: "The Board welcomed the hard work and actions taken by Yorkshire County Cricket Club towards putting the Club on a new path. 

"Alongside the progress already made, we considered many factors in reaching our decision. Amongst them, the impact on fans who have bought tickets in good faith and the young people who will benefit from Yorkshire’s improved outreach and pathway provisions. 

"Finally, the Board was mindful that the return of international cricket will support continued change and progress at the Club.

"I very much hope that the traumatic events that have taken place at Yorkshire over the past several months and years will act as a catalyst for increasing the pace of change throughout the game.’"

New Yorkshire chair Lord Patel has welcomed the decision (AFP via Getty Images)

Lord Patel said: "I welcome this decision and thank the Board of the ECB for supporting the return of international matches at Headingley once again. 

"We have worked night and day to bring about tangible change at Yorkshire, and the removal of the sanctions has validated and reignited our drive for positive progress.

"I would like to thank the ECB for its support, and its robust challenge throughout the process. 

"It has been a difficult period for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and there remains a lot of work to be done, but the level of scrutiny has pushed us towards implementing action which will not only transform this club but can lead the way forward for the sport as a whole."

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