Ashes 2021-22: Michael Vaughan Dropped From BBC After His Involvement In Yorkshire Racism Matter

Former England captain and cricket commentator Michael Vaughan has been dropped by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for the upcoming Ashes’ coverage.

Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq alleged that Vaughan had used racial slurs against him in 2009. However, Vaughan has clearly denied those allegations in his column for The Telegraph.

Adil Rashid and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has backed Rafiq’s claims and said that they had heard Vaughan using racial slurs.

Wouldn’t be appropriate for Michael Vaughan to have a role in our Ashes team: BBC

The British broadcasters issued a statement that Vaughan won’t have any role for the upcoming Ashes in Down Under, citing editorial reasons.

“While he is involved in a significant story in cricket, for editorial reasons we do not believe that it would be appropriate for Michael Vaughan to have a role in our Ashes team or wider coverage of the sport at the moment,” the BBC said in a statement. 

“We require our contributors to talk about relevant topics and his involvement in the Yorkshire story represents a conflict of interest,” the statement further added. 

Earlier this month, the BBC dropped Tuffers and Vaughan, the radio show Vaughan co-hosts with another former English cricketer Phil Tufnell.

Vaughan could still be heard in England as he has contracted with Fox Network, official broadcasters for the event, and BT Sport will use the same commentary in UK.

Ashes to start on December 8

The Ashes between England and Australia is scheduled to commence on December 8 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

England’s 18-member squad will be led by Joe Root, and they will be cheered by the return of star all-rounder Ben Stokes in the squad.

Stokes had took a break from cricket for close to four months in order to priorities his mental well-being and stay with his family. He had missed the 2017/18 Ashes because of his involvement in the Bristol brawl in September 2017.

Also Read: The Ashes 2021-22: Nice To See Ben Stokes Back In Training, States Joe Root