Matthew Hoggard is BLOCKED to speak at the awards dinner

Ash hero Matthew Hoggard was prevented from speaking at the awards ceremony on Friday night as a direct result of the use of racist language for Azeem Rafiq.

It came on a day when ECB CEO Tom Harrison promised to stay with the cricket cleanup. Speaking after an emergency meeting of all stakeholders in Oval, Harrison insisted that he is the man who will make the sport more diverse and drive real change, the determination reports. Sports mail Friday.

Harrison claimed to have received the support of 41 ECB members to address the racist crisis, which will begin with the publication of a 12-point action plan next week, although he is still expected to leave Lord’s next year when a new president is appointed.

Matthew Hoggard (L) could not speak at the awards ceremony as the immediate consequences of Azeem Rafiq’s (R) revelations of racism are being felt

“I’m determined to lead this change through cricket,” Harrison said.

‘I feel passionate about this question. It’s something I feel to my heart. From the moment I came in as CEO in 2015, I have strived to drive an inclusive and diverse sport. I feel very motivated and very supported to ensure that change happens. ‘

Meanwhile, the 44-year-old Hoggard was booked to perform at the ECB-accredited Northeast Premier League presentation night, but according to Rafiq’s revelations on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sports Selection Committee on Tuesday, the paceman gave him the nickname ‘Raffa the Kaffir ‘- for which the former bowler has since apologized – Ryan Sidebottom has been chosen instead.

This was confirmed by NEPL Secretary Gordon Halliday Sports mail: ‘Our committee did not think it would be appropriate for Matthew to speak at our presentation evening. It is attended by people of different ages, mixed sexes and mixed races.

Hoggard earned well in the post-dinner speaking round, but was blocked at the Northeast Premier League presentation night

“The committee felt it was in the best interest of Matthew and those present to find a replacement speaker.”

Hoggard has been popular on the racetrack after dinner since retiring in 2013, and is in the books of the Champions Celebrity Talent Agency.

The dismissal came after the BBC, after other revelations by Rafiq, withdrew Hoggard ‘s skipper Michael Vaughan, who received Ashes in 2005, from his recent radio show.