Former England batsman Gary Ballance will leave Yorkshire in search of a “fresh start” after his part in Azeem Rafiq’s racism spat that sent shockwaves through the England game. Ballance, 33, has agreed to a release from his deal with Yorkshire but will not return to county cricket until 2024 at the earliest. The Zimbabwe-born south-hander, who represented England in 23 Tests and 16 one-day internationals from 2013-2017, did not play for White Rose County last season, where his career was derailed by allegations of racism and mental health issues.
He was named by Rafiq as one of the Yorkshire teammates who used racially discriminatory language, something Ballance admitted and apologized for during a meeting between the former friends earlier this year.
Ballance also faces a disreputation charge from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
He subsequently requested that the final two years of his Yorkshire contract be terminated, with the Headingley-based club agreeing that he would not play for a rival English county in the 2023 season.
“It has been a privilege to play for this great club,” Ballance said in a statement on Wednesday.
“On a personal level, I went through a difficult period – and after much discussion, I decided with my family that it would be good to make a change.”
He added: “I have asked the club if they would be willing to release me from my contract and I am grateful for their understanding as we have reached an agreement.
“The support Yorkshire have given me off the pitch over the past year has been fantastic and I appreciate the club’s help, but I hope my decision will mean that my career can get a fresh start.”
Yorkshire general manager Darren Gough explained that the club had “reluctantly” agreed to Ballance’s request.
“We are sad to see Gary go, but he leaves with our best wishes,” said Gough. “He has been a mainstay of our side for many years and an excellent hitter.”
The former England fast bowler added: “As a club we recognize that the last 18 months have been difficult for Gary, for a variety of reasons, and the most important thing for him is to get better and play again.”
Rafiq, a 31-year-old former spinner, first made allegations of racism and bullying in September 2020, related to his two stints in Yorkshire, which eventually led to a massive scull of senior board members and coaching staff.
Pakistan-born Rafiq, who said the abuse curtailed his career, recently revealed plans to move abroad with his wife, children and parents in the near future to protect his family from further attacks.
The disciplinary proceedings for English cricket against Yorkshire and seven persons in relation to Rafiq’s treatment were due to take place last month.
But they have been delayed due to appeals against hearings being held in public.
Rafiq previously gave public testimony to a committee of British legislators, but that hearing, unlike any other convened by England cricket chiefs, was protected by parliamentary privileges that prevent witnesses from being prosecuted.
(This story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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