Yorkshire County Cricket Club were slapped with a huge 48-point deduction in the English County Championship on Friday after admitting four charges related to the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal.

All six have been reprimanded and asked to undertake an appropriate racism/discrimination education course at their own expense, particularly if they intend to return to cricket in any playing or coaching capacity

Michael Vaughan was on Friday cleared "on the balance of probabilities" of using racist language before a match for county club Yorkshire in 2009

Azeem Rafiq was questioned over his two versions of former England captain Michael Vaughan's alleged racist comment towards him during a hearing in London on Thursday.

Ex-England international bowler Matthew Hoggard is accused of using racist language during his time at Yorkshire.

Andrew Strauss also highlighted the significance of the spirit of cricket, highlighting the events of the last year-and-a-half -- when the Azeem Rafiq scandal unfolded and tarnished the image of England cricket

Former England batsman Gary Ballance is to leave Yorkshire in search of a "fresh start" following his part in the Azeem Rafiq racism row that sent shock waves through the English game

Pakistan-born Rafiq, 31, first raised allegations of racism and bullying in September 2020, related to his two spells at Yorkshire

Azeem Rafiq was the whistleblower in the Yorkshire racism scandal -- he first spoke about it in September 2020

Rafiq sent shockwaves across cricket two years ago when he said he had been subjected to racial harassment and bullying during his time as a Yorkshire player