Michael Vaughan Resigns: Yorkshire Racism Row: India Tour of England Former England captain Michael Vaughan has stepped from his role as a commentator on BBC. He was on the BBC commentary panel for the New Zealand series and India series. But after being named in the Yorkshire County Cricket Club investigations, he has decided to step down. Follow India Tour of England LIVE & IND vs ENG Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Vaughan announced his decision to step down on his social media handles. He said although he made his stand clear, he stepped down for the well-being of his family.
“On numerous occasions, I have put on record my views on the issues concerning YCCC. It is always regrettable when commentary on matters off the field take the focus away from what’s happening on the field. In view of the ongoing dialogue on the subject, I have taken the decision to step back from my work with the BBC for the time being,” Vaughan said in a statement.
Michael Vaughan Resigns: Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan STEPS DOWN from BBC role after Yorkshire Racism allegations: Check DETAILS
Michael Vaughan Resigns: Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan STEPS DOWN from BBC role after Yorkshire Racism allegations: Check DETAILS
“The key driver for this is my concern for the wellbeing of my family members and my wish to protect their family life. Stepping back temporarily is also in the interests of the game and I hope that it will minimise any difficulties for my work colleagues,” he added.
Earlier, reports emerged that BBC was ready to drop Michael Vaughan from its commentary panel for the New Zealand series. However, he stayed on. Before that, BT Sport dropped him from the panel for the Ashes series.
Michael Vaughan Resigns: Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan STEPS DOWN from BBC role after Yorkshire Racism allegations: Check DETAILS
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 28, 2022
“Following conversations with Michael Vaughan we’ve accepted his decision to step away from our cricket coverage. This is a decision we respect and understand. Michael remains under contract to the BBC,” the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) said in a statement.
Michael Vaughan Resigns: Why did Vaughan resign?
- The former England captain is amongst the seven cricketers set to face disciplinary hearings later this year
- He was named in the ECB’s investigation following Azeem Rafiq’s complaints of institutional racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
- BBC faced intense pressure from within the organisation to fire Michael Vaughan owing to the latest charges.
- But before being fired, Vaughan decided to step down to save his face.
Michael Vaughan Resigns: Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan STEPS DOWN from BBC role after Yorkshire Racism allegations: Check DETAILS
Vaughan was charged in an independent investigation by the ECB. He will face a disciplinary hearing alongside the likes of Matthew Hoggard, Tim Bresnan and Garry Ballance.
Rafiq alleged that Vaughan told him and two other players of Asian origin that there were “too many of you lot, we need to do something about it” before a match in 2009. Vaughan has strongly denied the accusation.
Michael Vaughan Resigns: Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan STEPS DOWN from BBC role after Yorkshire Racism allegations: Check DETAILS
Vaughan was already dropped by BBC last year for a brief period following Azeem Rafiq’s allegations, missing the trip Down Under for the Ashes. He was taken off the air immediately in the aftermath and only returned in March this year.
Vaughan is among seven others charged with Racism, but no criminal charges have been pressed. A Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) panel will conduct a hearing in September or October after ECB made its own investigation into the case.
The sanctions could very well include a warning or an unlimited fine alongside playing bans, suspension of selection eligibility for matches, and completion of education programmes. The CDC could also extend the punishment to denial of entrance to grounds for those found guilty.
Michael Vaughan Resigns: Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan STEPS DOWN from BBC role after Yorkshire Racism allegations: Check DETAILS
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