Gary Ballance: Yorkshire release ex-England striker from contract
Ballance, 33, has missed most of the 2022 season and is leaving under an agreement he won't play for another team of the County Championship in 2023.
In November 2021 he admitted to using racist language towards Azeem Rafiq in the midst of a racist club scandal.
"I am grateful for their understanding as we have reached to a deal," he said.
"I've been through a tough time - and after many discussions, I decided, with my family, that it would be right to make a change.
"The support Yorkshire have given me off the pitch over the past year has been fantastic and I appreciate the help from the club, but I hope my decision will help my career make a fresh start".
Former club captain Ballance played 23 Tests for England and 16 ODIs between 2014 and 2017.
He was indicted by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2021 over allegations of racism, with a hearing due next year.
In August, Rafiq said he had accepted Ballance's apology and asked that his former Yorkshire team-mate be "allowed to continue with his life".
"We are sad to see Gary go, but he leaves with our best wishes. He was a mainstay in our team for many years and a superb batsman," said Yorkshire general manager Darren Gough.
"As a club, we recognize that the last 18 months have been difficult for Gary, for many reasons, and the most important thing for him is to improve and play again.
"He felt he couldn't do this at Headingley, and we agreed to his request at reluctantly, but knowing that it was the right decision for him personally".
Ballance, 33, has missed most of the 2022 season and is leaving under an agreement he won't play for another team of the County Championship in 2023.
In November 2021 he admitted to using racist language towards Azeem Rafiq in the midst of a racist club scandal.
"I am grateful for their understanding as we have reached to a deal," he said.
"I've been through a tough time - and after many discussions, I decided, with my family, that it would be right to make a change.
"The support Yorkshire have given me off the pitch over the past year has been fantastic and I appreciate the help from the club, but I hope my decision will help my career make a fresh start".
Former club captain Ballance played 23 Tests for England and 16 ODIs between 2014 and 2017.
He was indicted by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2021 over allegations of racism, with a hearing due next year.
In August, Rafiq said he had accepted Ballance's apology and asked that his former Yorkshire team-mate be "allowed to continue with his life".
"We are sad to see Gary go, but he leaves with our best wishes. He was a mainstay in our team for many years and a superb batsman," said Yorkshire general manager Darren Gough.
"As a club, we recognize that the last 18 months have been difficult for Gary, for many reasons, and the most important thing for him is to improve and play again.
"He felt he couldn't do this at Headingley, and we agreed to his request at reluctantly, but knowing that it was the right decision for him personally".
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