Vaughan doubles down on Rafiq statement and gives update on BBC role

Michael Vaughan has categorically denied claims that he made a racially insensitive remark to Azeem Rafiq and two other Asian players during his time at Yorkshire

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Former England captain Michael Vaughan has doubled down on his denial of making a racist remark to Azeem Rafiq before a County Championship match between Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire in 2009.

Vaughan revealed in a column for The Telegraph on Thursday evening that he had been implicated in the report into Rafiq’s allegations of racism at Yorkshire, but said he categorically denied the claims against him.

It was alleged that Vaughan had told Rafiq and two other Asian players that there were “too many of you lot, we need to do something about it”.

After denying the allegations in his column, a second former Yorkshire player has claimed he heard Vaughan make racially insensitive comments.

ESPNCricinfo are reporting that former Pakistan international Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, who featured for the county as an overseas player at the time, has confirmed to the outlet that he heard the comments in question.

Now, speaking to the PA news agency from his home in Cheshire on Friday, Vaughan doubled down on his denial.

He said: “I’ve done my piece last night and I stand by what I say. I know that in my life, I’ve never said anything racist to anybody. So, that’s what I stand by.”

Vaughan also offered an update on his role at the BBC, who he works for as a commentator and pundit, following a report from The Times which claims the BBC is reviewing his position.

Vaughan confirmed he had spoken to the BBC about the matter, saying: “Yes. I haven’t had any meetings with them. Yes, I am still working for them.”

Writing in the Telegraph, Vaughan said: “I completely and categorically deny that I ever said those words.

“This hit me very hard. It was like being struck over the head with a brick.

“I have been involved in cricket for 30 years and never once been accused of any remotely similar incident or disciplinary offence as a player or commentator.”