David Lloyd Issues Apology To Azeem Rafiq For Distasteful Remark On Asian Players

Cricketer-turned commentator David Lloyd issued an apology to Azeem Rafiq after being alleged of circulating a racism remark in the media.

In the ongoing case in the British parliamentary committee, Rafiq said that the former England player, who is associated with Sky Sports, had made distasteful remark in the media group.

According to Rafiq’s testimony, Lloyd said: “A clubhouse is the lifeblood of a club, and Asian players don’t go there.”

I apologise most sincerely to Azeem and to the Asian cricket community: David Lloyd

Lloyd was very quick to issue a statement on his official Twitter handle, in which he can be seen apologising to the Pakistan-born cricketer and also admitted that he had made those remarks.

“In October 2020, I had a private message exchange with a third party involved in cricket, about a number of topics,” Lloyd mentioned in his statement.

“In these messages, I referred to allegations about Azeem Rafiq which I had heard from within the game. I also made some comments about the Asian cricket community. I deeply regret my actions, and I apologise most sincerely to Azeem and to the Asian cricket community for doing this, and for any offence caused.

“I am strongly committed to making cricket a more inclusive sport. It is very obvious now that more work needs to be done and I will do everything I can to remove discrimination from the sport I love, and the sport that has been my life for over 50 years,” he added further.

Sky to Investigate on David Lloyd’s Comments

Sky Sports said that it will conduct an investigation related to Lloyd’s case and the media group said that it will oppose any kind of discrimination.

“Sky is committed to actively championing inclusion in cricket – and in all sports – and opposing all forms of discrimination,” the media group issued a statement.

Rafiq told that racial discrimination, and taking a stand against it, had cost him his cricket career.

Also Read: I Believe I Lost My Cricket Career Due To Racism – Azeem Rafiq