British ‘drinking culture affects Asian and black cricket players’, says former West Indies international Tino Best

Best says ‘not being a part of the boys’ club’ is hampering people of colour and Asian ethnicity’

He speaks out after former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq’s testimony throws spotlight on racism in the sport

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Former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq testifies in front of a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee in London on November 16 as MPs investigate racial harassment at the cricket club. Photo: PRU via AFP

Published: 7:37pm, 18 Nov 2021Updated: 7:36pm, 18 Nov 2021

The “drinking culture” in county teams was partly responsible for Asian and Black players not getting enough opportunities in English cricket, former West Indies international Tino Best has said.

Former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq’s testimony to a British parliamentary committee on Tuesday has thrown a spotlight on racism in the sport in England, as well as its drinking culture.

Rafiq, a Muslim, recalled how he was pinned down at his local cricket club when he was 15 and had red wine poured down his throat by an unnamed player who played for Yorkshire and Hampshire.

The scandal has shaken English sport, cost Yorkshire sponsors and the right to host England internationals, seen the club’s top brass quit, and embroiled some of the biggest names in English cricket.

Best, who played with the Pakistan-born Rafiq at Yorkshire, told the BBC: “The culture around cricket is drinking. That is a big problem. People shouldn’t be pressured to go into the clubhouse and drink eight or nine pints to be a part of the team.”

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