Azeem Rafiq has insisted he is 'incredibly hurt' after Joe Root spoke out about the racism scandal plaguing Yorkshore.
Yorkshire have come under immense criticism for the handling of the race row surrounding former off-spinner Rafiq, in a scandal that has rocked cricket and the world of sport.
The England captain, who is currently out in Australia for this winter’s Ashes series, finally spoke out about the scandal by taking to Twitter to release a personal statement, in which he called for 'change and actions'.
Then after the personal statement, he then told reporters during a press conference that he had not witnessed any instances of racism during his time at Yorkshire - where he has spent his entire professional career.
When asked if he had recognised any incidents of racism, Root replied: "Not that I can recall, no I can't. But it is clear things have happened at the club and we have to make sure we eradicate it.
"We look to find ways to make sure this never happens again in the sport and, as I said before, beyond that as well in society.
"I've spent a long time reflecting on what's happened. I can only speak from my personal experiences. The thing that's really disappointing is that this has happened, and we have to find a way to move forward.
"We need to find a way to educate as much as we can and make sure that these are hard learnings that we can eradicate from the sport.
"We can move forward as a county and we really can make a difference in this area. We look at what the England team has been doing the last few years - it's something (racism) we care deeply about, we're passionate about, and we really want to make a difference in.
"This shouldn't just apply to Yorkshire, this should apply across the game. Every county should be looking and should find ways to eradicate racism from the sport and I think it's really important we look to do that."
Following Root's remarks, Rafiq wrote on Twitter: "Disappointed is not even the feeling. Incredibly Hurt. But uncomfortable truths are hard to accept it seems."
Root wrote in his statement earlier: "In my capacity as England captain and as a senior player at Yorkshire, I feel compelled to address the current situation that has consumed the sport and YCCC.
"I just want the sport to be a place where everyone is enjoying it for the beautiful game it is and feels equal and safe. It hurts knowing this has happened at YCCC so close to home."
Root, who has called for 'change and actions' from the club, then went on to add that he feels the handling of the case has 'fractured' the game of cricket: "These events have fractured our game and torn lives apart.
"We must now recover and come back together as fans, players, media, and those who work within cricket. We have an opportunity to make the sport I love better for everyone."
Root went on to offer his help on the matter to the club's new chair, Lord Patel.
The England skipper's comments came on the same day that Mark Arthur - the chief executive of the home county - resigned from his position following the scandal.
A statement from Yorkshire read: "The board at Yorkshire County Cricket Club has accepted the resignation of Mark Arthur as CEO. We thank him for his tenure."
The county added: "We know there is still much work to be done and more difficult decisions to be made. We need to rebuild the trust of the fans, the cricketing world and the public."
