The Yorkshire sponsor is “reviewing the situation” amid criticism over the expected return of former chairman Colin Graves

• By Dan Roan
• ` sports editor

January 9, 2024, 1:20 p.m. GMT

Updated 12 minutes ago

image source, Getty Images

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Graves originally withdrew from the race for the Yorkshire seat in June 2023

A Yorkshire sponsor says they are “looking at the situation very closely” as criticism mounts over the expected return of former chairman Colin Graves.

Graves, 75, heads a consortium that is close to completing its takeover of the cash-strapped district.

Graves denies having any knowledge of racist behavior during his time at the club.

However, he was criticized by the ECB last year after he claimed some incidents were “hoaxes”.

According to the `, a board meeting will be held in Yorkshire on Tuesday evening to discuss whether Graves' bid for the club should be recommended to members.

Yorkshire has defended its process of finding new funding but the government has said it is “vital”. [the county] continues to ensure the necessary cultural change.”

And one of them, local tiler Al Murad, has indicated he is closely examining the situation.

“We are in communication – and we expect to be kept informed – as the process to secure long-term financing is brought to a conclusion,” it said.

“Based on this information and communication, we will consider the importance of justice, equality, representation and inclusivity at Yorkshire Cricket as Mr Graves takes the helm. The sweeping changes required will have a strong impact on how we view future engagements.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport told the ` that cricket “must be open to all and the government has consistently called for action to address culture at Yorkshire CCC following the behavior in the county”.

They added: “After the release of [the] In its report on equality in cricket, the ECB set out plans for clear and lasting reform. It is vital that the ECB delivers on its commitments and that Yorkshire CCC continues to deliver the necessary cultural change.”

Yorkshire has been seeking new investment since losing sponsors over its handling of the racism scandal and has also had to agree compensation packages with sacked staff who won unfair dismissal claims. The ECB initially withdrew Yorkshire's right to host lucrative international matches at Headingley, only reinstating it after major administrative changes came into effect.

Last year Yorkshire announced it would have to repay £14.9 million to the family trust of Graves, one of its biggest creditors since a financial bailout in 2002.

The club's management told staff they were “seriously considering” the deal with Graves' consortium, as a rescue package from retail billionaire and former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley had previously been linked. Graves is expected to be reinstated as chairman.

Charity Sporting Equals said his return would “make a mockery” of victims of racism.

But Yorkshire insisted the board had undertaken a “rigorous process” “to ensure the club remains operational”.