Warwickshire and the ECB are investigating reports of racist abuse on the fourth day of the rescheduled fifth men’s Test between England and India at Edgbaston which emerged on social media on Monday night.
The official Edgbaston account said in a response to one of Rafiq’s tweets: “We’re incredible sorry to read this and do not condone this behaviour in anyway [sic]. We’ll be investigating this ASAP.”
The ECB added in a statement: “We are very concerned to hear reports of racist abuse at today’s Test match. We are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston who will investigate.
“There is no place for racism in cricket. Edgbaston has been working hard to create a safe and inclusive working environment.”
Warwickshire County Cricket Club released a statement on Monday night in which Stuart Cain, the chief executive, said: “I’m gutted by these reports as we’re working hard to make Edgbaston a safe, welcoming environment for all.
“Having seen the initial tweets, I’ve spoken personally to the gentleman who raised them and we’re now speaking to the stewards in this area to establish what happened. Nobody should be subject to any form of abuse at Edgbaston. So, once we’ve got all the facts, we will make sure this issue is addressed swiftly.”