Michael Vaughan dropped from BBC show after allegations of racism
London(PTI): Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has been dropped from a BBC show after allegations of racism were levelled against him by two players.
Vaughan has been working as an analyst on Test Match Special for 12 years on the BBC 5 Live's 'The Tuffers and Vaughan Cricket Show
But he will not appear in the show on Monday following allegations of racism by Azeem Rafiq, who claimed that Vaughan had made racist comments towards him and other players before a Yorkshire match in 2009.
In a column for 'Daily Telegraph', Vaughan admitted that he was the former player implicated in the investigation into Rafiq's allegations of institutional racism at Yorkshire but "completely and categorically" denied the charges and vowed to "fight" to clear his name.
Vaughan, who represented the county from 1991 until his retirement in 2009, apparently, told a group of Asian players, including Rafiq, "Too many of you lot, we need to do something about it."
The alleged incident occurred as Yorkshire were taking the field during a match against Nottinghamshire in 2009, Rafiq's maiden season as a professional.
"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 wrote in the 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."
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26-year-old youth from Andhra dies by suicide in US
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) (PTI): A 26-year-old youth from this district has died allegedly by suicide in Chicago, US, recently, due to distress over debt, sources said on Saturday.
The family members of the deceased have requested that the identity of their relative be withheld, noting that his parents are senior citizens suffering from medical conditions.
Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed condolences and assured assistance for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I request Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure smooth and hassle-free transport of the mortal remains," Lokesh said in a post on X.
An NRI community member from the US posted on social media that one of their members from Kurnool on Optional Practical Training (OPT) passed away in Chicago a few days ago.
He said Telugu Association of North America (TANA) had completed all necessary documentation and formalities to send the mortal remains to India for final rites.
He further requested assistance in expediting the cargo pickup, currently scheduled for Sunday, seeking an earlier arrangement considering the urgency.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
