Yorkshire Cricket is proud to announce that it has signed the Muslim Athlete Charter, continuing its commitment to equity, and diversity and inclusion for all.

The charter – also referred to as the Nujum Sports' charter – is a commitment to recognise the needs of Muslim cricketers, fans and staff within the game and is part of our wider focus on delivering equity and diversity at all levels of the sport.

Yorkshire Cricket joins more than 75 sports clubs and organisations who have signed the Nujum Sports' charter since it was first enacted in June 2021, including the RFL, the Premier League, and the Football Association of Wales.

Stephen Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer at Yorkshire Cricket, said: “We believe this is an important and positive step for the Yorkshire Family and is integral to supporting the work we already do in building a sport that is equal for all."

“By understanding the faith and cultural needs of our Muslim players, staff and fans, we can help to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated."

“We would encourage all our Leagues and Clubs to find out more about the Muslim Athlete Charter and to seek to adopt its principles. The signing of the Muslim Athlete Charter is one of many initiatives Yorkshire Cricket is committed to in order to support equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the Club and reflect Yorkshire’s rich and vibrant community.”

Nujum Sports aims to promote a culture of educational excellence for Muslim athletes, supporting sports clubs, local and national organisations and national sporting bodies through training workshops and educational sessions.

The charter seeks to 'challenge organisations' to make progress in supporting Muslim sportsmen and women, with signatories pledging to 'create positive change.'

There are 10 points contained within the charter, such as providing space for non-consumption of alcohol, including during celebrations, the provision of appropriate places to pray, halal food, and accommodating staff and players who are fasting during Ramadan.

Through signing the charter the Club, who have been working with Nujum Sports for over a year, are now fully accredited and will continue to work with the organisation to help Yorkshire Cricket strengthen its voice and zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.

Mo Hussain, Yorkshire County Cricket Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, said: “The pledge is another step in fulfilling our commitment to becoming a truly inclusive Club.

“Alongside our multifaith space, providing non-alcohol family stands, and provision of halal food, our player changing spaces have also been upgraded to ensure the religious and cultural needs of our players can be met."

“We have been working closely with Nujum Sports for more than a year and look forward to developing this relationship further.”

Earlier this year as part of the collaboration Yorkshire CCC and Northern Diamonds coaching teams and first team players took part in an educational workshop hosted by Nujum Sports.

Ebadur Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer for Nujum Sports, said: “On signing the charter, Yorkshire Cricket is joining a positive movement of solidarity, equality and recognition of the contribution Muslims make in their respective clubs and teams. Nujum is here to support professional clubs and their players to contribute positively to their equality and diversity agenda."

“We are here to help them aspire to be even more inclusive and build on the passion and love we have four our respective clubs, players and fans.”

For more information please visit their website here.

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