Michael Vaughan returns to BBC for upcoming English summer

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan, who was dropped from BBC's commentary panel in the wake of his racism row with Azeem Rafiq, is set to resume his commentary duties in the upcoming English summer later this year. The ex-cricketer will be back with the renowned broadcaster to cover England's first Test match of the summer at the Lord's and will also cover the Ashes series that follows it.

Michael Vaughan was dropped from BBC’s coverage of the last Ashes series in Australia in 2021-22 after news of his involvement in a racism incident made the headlines. The former England skipper was accused of using racist language towards former Yorkshire team-mate Azeem Rafiq in 2009.

Vaughan was accused of saying "there's too many of you lot, we need to have a word about that" to Rafiq during a Yorkshire match in 2009. He was dropped from BBC's Test coverage after he was charged with bringing the game into disrepute, triggering outrage on various social media platforms.

However, the charges against Vaughan were dropped by ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission, following a nine-month investigation. Vaughan had maintained his innocence ever since the charges were brought forward by the ECB. Despite his innocence in the matter, the former England top-order batter demanded strong punishment for racist incidents in cricket.

"The outcome must not be allowed to detract from the core message that there can be no place for racism in the game of cricket, or in society generally. I remain keen to help bring about positive change in any way that I can," Vaughan posted on social media at the time of his verdict.

Vaughan will be part of the broadcasting panel for England's first home Test match of the summer against Ireland at Lord’s and will also lend his services for the upcoming high-profile Ashes series. The red-ball game against Ireland will commence on June 1, following which England will reignite their rivalry with Australia on June 16.