Racism in cricket: Azeem Rafiq to leave England after abuse and intimidation

Azeem Rafiq, whose allegations of racism at Yorkshire led to a series of reviews into the culture of the sport, is leaving England to protect his family from abuse and intimidation.

Last year, Rafiq opened up about an "institutionally racist culture" at Yorkshire, including by former England players.

The cricketer, whose family moved to the UK from Pakistan after a business partner of his father was murdered following a bungled kidnapping attempt, is being subjected to abuse and threats, reported the Cricketer.com.

"Rafiq has received a series of threats both online and in person in recent times and in one case, captured by CCTV earlier this month, an individual was seen defecating in the garden of the home where his parents live. In another, a masked intruder was seen prowling around the outside of the property," the report said.

He then gave his testimony to a group of MPs and said he was "close to taking his own life" for the "toxic" dressing room atmosphere when Gary Ballance was appointed skipper during his second spell at the club.