Public inquiry the only way for Yorkshire County Cricket Club - Yorkshire Post Letters

Chris Waters’s article in TYP and Michael Atherton’s report (in The Times) of his interview with Ku Bansil, Yorkshire’s widely respected physiotherapist who was sacked summarily by Lord Patel, both reflect the reality of the club I knew for 20 years on its board.

Not once in all that time, until August 2018 when Azeem Rafiq’s allegations surfaced, did any player, coach or staff member express a concern to me about racist behaviour despite every opportunity to do so. They did not do so because they had none.

There were two instances of racist language by members. Both were disciplined, one with expulsion.

During that time I spent countless hours talking informally to players, coaches and members. Others, such as Steve Mann, chair of the Members’ Committee, spent much more time than I did in talking with everyone involved at the club. I note with dismay that Steve’s bid to become one of just two board members elected by members has just been rejected by Lord Patel’s nominations committee. Is he afraid of board members with cricket knowledge? I draw two conclusions from the club’s recent travails.

First, Lord Patel must go.

Second, the only route to the truth in this whole sordid affair is a public inquiry.

From: Christopher Calvert Beardsell, Holmbridge, Holmfirth.

The Times published an excellent article by Mike Atherton including his interview with Kunwar Bansil, the shamefully treated former physiotherapist for Yorkshire CCC. I was thrilled to see that your sports journalist, Chris Waters, had ‘penned’ a similarly brave and revealing piece about the shenanigans taking place at our once great club. Congratulations on your determination and commitment to searching for the truth.

From: Tim Emmott, Harrogate,

Lord Patel, ex-ECB, was piloted in to save the Yorkshire CCC. His period in charge has been chaotic and divisive.

The latest revelations from the sacked British Asian club physio, Kunwar Bansil, comments “liked” online by some of the current players, only add to the growing belief of many members that Lord Patel does not have adequate leadership skills to turn the club around.

He has become the problem not the solution and should stand down before he further embarrasses himself and the club.