Azeem Rafiq says “I got pinned down and had red wine poured down my throat”

During his Digital Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) selection committee hearing. Former Yorkshire spinner Azeem Rafiq discussed some of the troubling incidents that occurred during his time playing cricket in England.

Rafiq revealed that once he was tied down, red wine was forcefully forced down his mouth. The incident occurred while he was 15 years old and was playing at a local club. Rafiq admitted that it was his first time drinking and that he wasn’t prepared for it.

However, he continued to drink in order to blend in with his teammates. Their culture in order to realize his dream of one day representing England.

Yorkshire and Hampshire

“I got pinned down at my local cricket club and had red wine poured down my throat, literally down my throat. The player played for Yorkshire and Hampshire. I [then] didn’t touch alcohol until about 2012 and around that time I felt I had to do that to fit in. I wasn’t perfect, there are things I did which I felt I had to do to achieve my dreams. Thus, I deeply regret that but it has nothing to do with racism.” he said

Azeem Rafiq then talked about his desire to play for England at the highest level.

“All I wanted to do is play cricket and play for England and live my dream and live my family’s dream. In my first spell, I don’t really think I quite realised what it was. I think I was in denial,” added Rafiq

The off-spinner also talked about taking medicine to deal with mental health concerns that occurred as a result of being subjected to racial abuse on a regular basis. According to Azeem Rafiq, the problem is widespread throughout England, not only in Yorkshire.

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