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It’s Not Banter, It’s Racism

Read the shocking memoir that started a nationwide conversation

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It’s Not Banter, It’s Racism

By: Azeem Rafiq
Narrated by: Azeem Rafiq
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Summary

 This is the story of how one cricketer in Yorkshire started a nationwide conversation, putting a spotlight on a society riddled with bias.

LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024
SHORTLISTED FOR THE CHARLES TYRWHITT SPORTS BOOK AWARDS CRICKET BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025

Green grass, blue skies, white flannels and the gentle thwack of leather on willow: the quintessential image of Englishness that heralds the start of the cricket season. A so-called gentleman's game developed with the principle of fair play at its heart. All well and true - unless you're a person of colour living in Britain today. Azeem Rafiq, the former Yorkshire cricketer and England youth captain, learnt this the hard way.

When, on 16 November 2021, Azeem stood up and courageously spoke out about his experiences of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club he was coolly dismissed, told that it was "friendly banter" and that he was a troublemaker. The case blew up, and millions of people voiced their support for Azeem.

It's Not Banter, It's Racism will provide a bracing look at the moments that led up to and defined the watershed meeting where Azeem shared his truth. As well as interviewing key figures involved in the case, Azeem illustrates how the continual denial of racism is sending us backwards as a society, and how pervasive polarisation has become. It is with great sensitivity and determination that Azeem will also unpack his own biases, while also building forgiveness and understanding with the communities he has impacted.

Giving voice to the voiceless, Azeem's book stands for accountability and honesty in a world that would prefer to cancel and silence. Cricket Sports England
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Critic reviews

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.
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.
A principled whistleblower who stood up for what was right, Azeem has changed 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.
Honest, open and powerful, Azeem has never been afraid at facing injustice head on, and this book is no different. It's Not Banter, It's Racism is a credit to Azeem and an important part of his anti-racism work. I hope many will read and understand the message at the heart of this book; that Azeem was just a young British Pakistani boy who wanted to play cricket, and he deserved so much better.
All stars
Most relevant
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!

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

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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.

A book that needed to be Written

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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.

Pivotal moment for cricket with impact on society. Time for change.

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