Ex-England star Aftab Habib reveals he was made ‘uncomfortable’ on debut amid cricket racism storm

FORMER England batsman Aftab Habib has joined cricket’s racism storm and revealed he was made to feel uncomfortable on his international debut.

Habib, 49, whose family are of Pakistani origin, fears he might have been the victim of the “huge anti-Asian discrimination”.

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Aftab Habib felt uncomfortable playing for England[/caption]

The ex-Leicestershire star declined to name names but had a kind word for his captain, Nasser Hussain, who “gave me support”.

Habib did not make a statement at the time of his debut against New Zealand in 1999 as he felt he would be ignored.

But he is prepared to speak to the ECB now, if they were to approach him.
His offer follows the governing body’s disclosure that a number of current England players are being investigated over “unacceptable” comments on social media.

They include one-day captain Eoin Morgan, Test vice-captain Jos Buttler, record-breaking pace bowler Jimmy Anderson, and bowler Ollie Robinson, who recently made a successful debut against New Zealand.

Habib said: “There is great controversy at the moment over racial problems at the peak of English cricket but it was even worse when I was playing.

“I made my England debut at Edgbaston and I was made to feel uncomfortable. It wasn’t pleasant.

“It wasn’t a nice place to be. I didn’t seem to fit in.

“I expected a warm welcome and lots of support on my first game for England.

“No one helped to ease the pressure on me. It affected my performance and I knew I’d get the chop.

“It was sad, as I’d earned my place with some big scores for Leicestershire in the Championship and I felt proud to be there.

“Nasser was fine and at least knew I was there.

“They gave me three innings and I was gone, never to be seen again. It’s hard to accept I wasn’t good enough for Test cricket.

“It has crossed my mind that I was a victim of racial bias.”

Habib was bowled for one run against New Zealand, when England won by seven wickets, so did not bat a second time.

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Habib’s international career was short-lived[/caption]

He managed 19 and six, in the next Test at Lord’s, which England lost by nine wickets and his international career was over.

Habib added: “Racism was worse when I played in the Championship and for England.

“I didn’t report what was going on because no one would have done anything about it.

“It’s still huge now but the ECB seem to be taking strong steps to stamp it out, which is great to see.

“No one should pretend it isn’t a problem.

“Just look at the facts. We have 18 counties and only one Asian coach in Vikram Solanki, who was born in India but grew up in Leicester.

“There are multiple thousands of talented Asians playing cricket in Britain but you don’t see them coming through.

“There needs to be a major independent investigation into racism in cricket at every level, from schools upwards, as it’s spreading like a disease.”

At his coaching academy in Reading, Habib added: “I feel for all the Asian lads who dream of playing for England but will be lucky to get a chance with a county, let alone a Test call-up.

“But I’m still trying my hardest as a coach to find a very special Asian player and I’d then try to break down the barrier to get him on the England stage.

“It’s a huge challenge but we deserve equal opportunity and will do everything possible to get it.

“Everyone is welcome to our Academy, and will be treated the same way when they get here.”