Yorkshire can host major cricket matches after ban lifted

LONDON (AP) — Yorkshire cricket club can resume hosting international matches after its suspension was lifted in recognition of the club’s “good progress” on addressing problems of racism and bullying. Yorkshire’s Headingley Stadium will now host England’s third test against New Zealand in June and a one-day international against South Africa in July. The England and Wales Cricket Board suspended Yorkshire from hosting international matches as punishment for the club’s “wholly unacceptable” response to the racism faced by former player Azeem Rafiq. In lifting the suspension, the ECB says it “acknowledged the hard work and good progress made by the club.” Friday’s decision is conditional on further requirements to be made by the end of March.