Former professional cricketer Azeem Rafiq, who dramatically left his playing days behind him and contemplated suicide after he blew the whistle on institutional racism and bullying within the sport in the UK, has relocated to Dubai and is advocating the importance of men’s mental health, saying too few men speak out when they are suffering from anxiety or depression.
Rafiq spoke to Al Arabiya English about the importance of seeking help during “dark days” during Men’s Health Week, which is marked from June 12-18.
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The 32-year-old, in various accounts, detailed the racism that he encountered at the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, which resulted in charges brought against senior figures in English cricket in revelations that shook the sport and sparked direct action towards diversity and inclusion.
Rafiq, who has since become an influential anti-racism campaigner since an independent report commissioned by Yorkshire County Cricket Club found he had suffered racial harassment and bullying at Headingley, one of England’s most historic sporting clubs, said speaking out in 2020 about racism changed his life forever.
Now Dubai-based and given a Golden Visa to stay in the emirate, Rafiq said the UAE is his home for the foreseeable future. He will use the country as a base to campaign for meaningful change within sports and create mental health awareness for men and families.
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