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It’s Not Banter, It’s Racism

What Cricket’s Dirty Secret Reveals About Our Society

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It’s Not Banter, It’s Racism

By: Azeem Rafiq
Narrated by: Azeem Rafiq
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About this listen

THE STORY OF ONE MAN WHO CHANGED THE FACE OF CRICKET FOREVER.

'Azeem's first legacy - a legacy carved at great personal expense - was to expose how cricket works. His second gift may be to expose how this country works, too.' Jonathan Liew

When Azeem Rafiq was a young boy playing cricket near his home in Pakistan, he could never have foreseen that this sport would change his life forever. He fell in love with the game quickly and it wasn't long before the white flannels and green grass felt like home to him. When he moved to England, he became the youngest man to captain a Yorkshire side and the first person of Asian descent to do so. His talent was undeniable, and doors were opening for him.

But there was something Azeem was bottling up and it was about to explode out of him and shake the whole cricket world, and wider society, out of their slumber. It's Not Banter, It's Racism is the never before-told truth behind the racism accusations that shocked a nation, from the moment Azeem spoke up to the resulting events that have altered his world entirely.

With heartbreaking honesty, Azeem reveals why he will always use his voice in a society that would prefer him to be voiceless.

'Azeem has stood up to the world, spoken back against evil. He has had victories. He has failed. He extends charity to others and he says no: no to racism. Because we must be better than our worst.' Stan Grant

'Azeem's dream was to help England win the Ashes. That wasn't to be. But maybe, one day we'll reflect that his legacy to the game is far greater than winning any amount of Test series.' George Dobell

'A principled whistleblower who stood up for what was right, Azeem has changed cricket forever.' Jennifer Robinson

'Honest, open and powerful.' Baroness Warsi©2023 Azeem Rafiq (P)2023 Orion Publishing Group Limited
Cricket Sports England
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Pivotal moment for cricket with impact on society. Time for change.

Azeem's story is truly remarkable, as he fearlessly embraces honesty and truth in his journey, life events and cricketing experiences. His unwavering commitment to continue, endure, and confront his treatment and ordeal is truly commendable. While many would have given up, Azeem perseveres with an unwavering determination. The impact of his courage will undoubtedly bring about significant changes in society and the world of cricket. This is a moment for us all to become aware, embrace change, and strive for improvement. Azeem skillfully intertwines his personal narrative with insightful solutions for change, all without seeking revenge. The result is a powerful, thought-provoking, and deeply personal account. I cannot emphasize enough how highly I recommend this book.

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Leaves you optimistic about the future of building race relations in ALL industries (not just cricket) in the UK

Frank and honest account of Azeem’s experiences of racism in cricket, with detail never heard before of what the press has not put forward about him.

You can hear from his voice the truth narrate itself and the sincerity of wanting to make progress not just for himself and his children but for others.

Hard hitting, truthful and powerful- I advise all that are in the field of cricket & all other industries to listen to this and take forward the call to action he puts forward.

This book, although triggering in parts, leaves you optimistic about progress and empowered that more collaboration will lead to a positive outcome for society.

Definitely not a book to be missed!

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A book that needed to be Written

Brave individual fighting for this cause - Without equality, people of colour continue to suffer in society. Racism, mostly not overt, in institutions, needs to be accountable.

Azeem Rafiq continues to use his experience to help others, unfortunately he has had to suffer so much to enable this.

A really enlightening story- I am a British mixed raced female, with no link to cricket. However I can certainly empathise with his struggles, unconscious bias needs to be recognised.

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