Richard Pyrah Returns to Yorkshire as Women’s Head Coach After Racism Scandal

Richard Pyrah, recently found guilty of making racist comments, has been appointed head coach of Yorkshire's senior women's cricket team. The Cricket Discipline Commission imposed a two-week coaching ban and a £2,500 fine on Pyrah in May 2022 for breaching ECB directive 3.3, which addresses conduct that may harm the sport's reputation. The commission confirmed that Pyrah had used discriminatory language regarding Azeem Rafiq’s sister, Amna, during a media event in 2014. Despite the controversy surrounding his past comments, Yorkshire Cricket reached a settlement with Pyrah in September 2022, acknowledging that his dismissal in December 2021 was “procedurally unfair.” He is set to officially begin his new role next month, returning to a club where he previously played as an all-rounder for over a decade. Pyrah expressed his excitement about leading the women’s team, calling it the proudest moment of his career. Yorkshire Women will compete in Tier 2 alongside other counties in the 2025 season, with plans to advance to Tier 1 by 2026. The club's chair, Colin Graves, praised Pyrah's selection, stating that he stood out among a strong list of candidates and is well-suited to guide the team into a new chapter of women’s cricket. As Yorkshire prepares for this transition, the cricket community will be watching closely, particularly regarding how Pyrah's past actions will influence his leadership and the team's future.