LONDON: Former Pakistan fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan on Tuesday claimed that he was racially abuse by Yorkshire supporters when he played for the English county.
Rana alleges he was subjected to racist slurs and hooting from the home crowd when he played for Yorkshire in 2008 and 2009.
The 41-year-old's comments came after Pakistan-born English spinner Azeem Rafiq revealed earlier this month that he was left on the brink of suicide during his time at Yorkshire because the club was "institutionally racist".
"I fully support what Azeem said and this has been the case with me as well," Rana told ESPNcricinfo.
"I never spoke about it because, as foreigners, we were temporary and somehow I managed to accept the way it is.
"There was systematic taunting. To us as overseas players from Asia, when you are not able to perform, the home crowd which should be supporting us, instead started hooting and would taunt us with racist slurs like 'p***'.
"If you are performing then you get all the space but, in case I am not taking wickets, the attitude suddenly started to change.
"They started to give us a tough time, giving me a smaller hotel room and there used to be a clear case of discrimination."
Speaking earlier this month, Rafiq, who had two stints at Headingley between 2008 and 2018, said, as a Muslim, he was made to feel like an "outsider" at the county.
"I know how close I was to committing suicide during my time at Yorkshire," he said.
"I believe the club is institutionally racist and I don't believe they are prepared to acknowledge the fact or willing to change. My only motivation now is to prevent anyone else feeling the same pain."
Yorkshire have engaged an independent law firm to investigate Rafiq's allegations.
In response to Rana's claims, Yorkshire told ESPNcricinfo the allegations were "very concerning" and pledged to investigate the issue.
Former Pakistani fast bowler says he endured racist abuse from Yorkshire fans
https://arab.news/wvdn4
Former Pakistani fast bowler says he endured racist abuse from Yorkshire fans
- Rana Naved-ul-Hasan alleges he was subjected to racist slurs, hooting from home crowd when he played for Yorkshire in 2008 and 2009
- Yorkshire tells ESPNcricinfo the allegations were "very concerning," pledges to investigate
Pakistan PM gives 48 hours to draft fuel-saving plan as global oil prices surge
- Government warns against hoarding after sharp fuel price hike amid Middle East tensions
- PM wants provinces to enforce anti-profiteering measures and prevent public exploitation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked his administration to formulate a strategy for fuel conservation and austerity in government affairs within 48 hours after a sharp rise in global oil prices pushed the country to increase domestic fuel rates, a senior minister said on Saturday.
The directive comes a day after the government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 ($0.20) per liter, citing a surge in international energy prices triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran. The situation has rattled global oil markets and threatened key shipping routes.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said Sharif had instructed officials to urgently prepare a practical plan aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting austerity across government institutions.
“The prime minister has given 48 hours to formulate an actionable strategy on savings, austerity and simplicity in government affairs,” he said in a social media post on X.
Tarar said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik had also been tasked with consulting the country’s four provincial chief ministers to coordinate measures against fuel hoarding and ensure strict enforcement of government directives.
He informed the ministers had been asked to ensure that speculation and profiteering in fuel markets were prevented, adding that authorities would take strict action against violators.
“The prime minister has directed that no leniency be shown to elements involved in exploiting the public,” he said, warning that licenses of those petrol pumps violating government orders could be revoked.
Tarar also urged the public not to pay attention to rumors regarding petroleum supplies or pricing, saying the government and relevant ministries would continue to release verified information as the situation evolves.
He said Pakistan was not alone in facing rising energy costs, noting that many countries were grappling with similar pressures due to volatility in global oil markets.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported fuel to meet its energy needs and is particularly vulnerable to global price shocks, which can quickly push up inflation and strain the country’s fragile external accounts.
