Somerset Seamer Jack Brooks Apologises To Cheteshwar Pujara Over Racist Nickname | Cricket Information

The cricketer who dubbed Cheteshwar Pujara ‘Steve’ whilst they each performed for Yorkshire has apologised to the India batsman in the newest fallout from the Azeem Rafiq case that has despatched shockwaves throughout the English sport. Pakistan-born Rafiq informed a UK parliamentary committee on Tuesday how racist language used to be “repeatedly” used all over his two spells at Yorkshire. The 30-year-old, who mentioned he had misplaced his profession to racism, cited examples of discrimination involving a number of former England internationals in addition to how briskly bowler Jack Brooks had named Pujara ‘Steve’ as a result of he struggled to pronounce the India superstar’s forename.

“On the subject of my naming in Azeem Rafiq’s observation to MPs this week, the usage of the title ‘Steve’ connected to a few other folks having tough names to pronounce,” mentioned Brooks in a observation issued Thursday.

“When this has happened up to now in a dressing room surroundings, it’s been common to provide nicknames, irrespective of creed or race.”

The 37-year-old added: “I admit to having used it on this context and now settle for that it used to be disrespectful and incorrect to take action. I’ve reached out and apologised to Cheteshwar for any offence that I’ve brought about him or his circle of relatives.

“On the time I did not recognise this as racist behaviour, however I will now see that it used to be now not applicable.”

Brooks, who now performs for rival county Somerset, additionally apologised Thursday for the use of the phrase “negro” in a dialog on Twitter 9 years in the past with England bowler Tymal Generators and Stewart Laudat, with whom he performed minor counties cricket for Oxfordshire. The tweets have been despatched when Brooks used to be at Northamptonshire.

“I recognize that the language utilized in two tweets I made in 2012 used to be unacceptable and I deeply be apologetic about the use of it,” mentioned Brooks. “I unreservedly apologise for any offence brought about to any one who will have noticed those tweets.

“The 2 avid gamers to whom I despatched the tweets are my pals and it used to be in no way my aim to motive misery or offence to them or somebody who learn them.

“It’s my working out that neither particular person used to be indignant on the time, however I settle for that language is essential and {that a} phrase I used will have brought about offence to others.”

Rafiq’s case has additionally ended in accusations of discrimination at different counties, with the previous off-spinner announcing he now anticipated the “floodgates” to open in a racism disaster that threatens to engulf English cricket.

The effects for Yorkshire were devastating, with sponsors creating a mass exodus, resignations from most sensible directors and the county barred from website hosting profitable world suits.

However Rafiq has warned Yorkshire can’t transfer ahead till head trainer Andrew Gale and director of cricket Martyn Moxon have left the Headingley-based membership.

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Gale is recently suspended pending investigations over a ancient tweet and Moxon, a former England batsman, is signed off with a stress-related sickness.

Each males featured closely in Rafiq’s proof, with Gale accused of continuing racial abuse and Moxon of systematic bullying, together with an outburst on Rafiq’s first day again following the stillbirth of his son.