England batter Alex Hales has “categorically and absolutely” denied allegations from former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq that he gave his dog a racist name.
Rafiq’s tearful testimony to a parliamentary committee earlier this week included the claim that former team-mate Gary Ballance used the name ‘Kevin’ as a “derogatory” term when referring to players of colour, a name Rafiq says was an “an open secret in the England dressing room.”
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Rafiq alleged that Hales, who last represented England in 2019, named his dog Kevin based on the fact it was black.
“Having heard the allegations made against me, I categorically and absolutely deny there was any racial connotation in the naming of my dog,” Hales said in a statement.
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“I entirely respect and have huge sympathy for both the stance Azeem Rafiq has taken and what he has had to endure. His evidence was harrowing.
“There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in cricket and I will gladly co-operate with any investigation the game’s authorities choose to hold.”
Hales’ Instagram contains a number of images of the 32-year-old with a black Doberman referred to as Kevin.
Hales’ county, Nottinghamshire, has begun an “internal process” to investigate the claims.
“Following on from the testimony provided to the DCMS select committee regarding Alex Hales, we have commenced the appropriate internal process and will continue to liaise with Alex and his advisers accordingly,” the club said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the London Telegraph reports that Yorkshire coach Andrew Gale will be sacked after Rafiq’s explosive testimony.
The county’s director of cricket, former England batter Martyn Moxon, who is currently on stress leave, is also not expected to return.
“Throughout my time at YCCC, Andrew called me ‘Raffa the Kaffir’, ‘P—‘ and so on,” Rafiq said.
“But it was the discriminatory treatment and bullying I felt from him that was harder for me than the name calling.”
The club’s chief executive and chairman have already resigned, while Yorkshire were suspended from hosting international matches as punishment for their handling of the racism case that has shaken the sport.
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