Adil Rashid backs racism claims against Michael Vaughan

England leg spinner Adil Rashid has backed Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq's accusations of racist abuses by Michael Vaughan. The former England skipper reportedly passed racist comments to Asian origin players in 2009. Rashid confirmed the claims and said he is ready to support further investigation into Rafiq's claims. Earlier, former Pakistan bowler Rana Naved ul Haq had also backed Rafiq's revelations.

"I wanted to concentrate as much as possible on my cricket and to avoid distractions to the detriment of the team but I can confirm Azeem Rafiq's recollection of Michael Vaughan's comments to a group of us Asian players," Rashid said, according to ESPNcricinfo.

"Racism is a cancer in all walks of life and unfortunately in professional sports too, and is something which of course has to be stamped out," Rashid said.

Michael Vaughan though has completely denied the accusations. "I completely and categorically deny that I ever said those words. I have nothing to hide. The 'you lot' comment never happened," the 2005 Ashes winning captain had written in a newspaper column.

"Anyone trying to recollect words said 10 years ago will be fallible but I am adamant those words were not used. If Rafiq believes something was said at the time to upset him then that is what he believes."

An independent report commissioned by Yorkshire had confirmed that Rafiq was subjected to racism. However, what surprised many was the stand of Yorkshire cricket club. While the club admitted to the findings, they announced that no action will be taken against their employees. This led to massive outrage. The England Cricket Board took off their right to host matches in Headingley, while several sponsors also cut off their ties with the club.

Speaking about Vaughan, he was ousted from the BBC show.