Michael Vaughan out of BBC commentary panel, decision taken after allegations of racism
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has decided to step down from the BBC commentary panel. Vaughan made this decision after allegations of racism. Yorkshire player Azim Rafiq has made these allegations against the former England captain. Michael Vaughan has denied the allegations and has temporarily left the BBC commentary panel.
What did Rafiq say?
Pakistani-origin player Azim Rafiq used to play county cricket for Yorkshire. Rafiq accused Vaughan of racism, saying that before a match in 2009, Vaughan told him and two other Asian players, ‘There are a lot of people (Asians) like you, we have to do something about it.’ Michael Vaughan Has vehemently denied these allegations.
‘Commentary left for family’s safety’
Michael Vaughan said that the main reason behind the decision to leave commentary is the safety of his family. Although Michael Vaughan has been left out of the commentary panel in the past due to this controversy, Vaughan was not on the BBC commentary panel during the Ashes series between Australia and England, and subsequently between New Zealand and England. Vaughan had returned in the Test series and since then he was doing commentary continuously but now he is leaving the commentary for some time now.
Will not commentary in India vs England match
After the decision to leave the commentary panel, Michael Vaughan will no longer do commentary in the India-England match. This test match will be played in Birmingham from 1 July. The BBC said on this whole matter that they respect Vaughan’s decision. The BBC said, ‘After a conversation with Michael Vaughan, we accept his decision to step away from our cricket coverage. We understand and respect this decision. Michael is still under contract with the BBC.