The BBC said the move was to avoid a potential "conflict of interest" in relation to ongoing racism accusations. The ex-England captain faced allegations made by his former team-mate Azeem Rafiq, which he denies.

       A BBC spokesperson said: "While he is involved in a significant story in cricket, for editorial reasons we do not believe that it would be appropriate for Michael Vaughan to have a role in our Ashes team or wider coverage of the sport at the moment.

       "We require our contributors to talk about relevant topics and his involvement in the Yorkshire story represents a conflict of interest."

       Mr Vaughan said in a statement on Instagram: "Very disappointed not to be commentating for TMS on the Ashes and will miss working with great colleagues & friends, but looking forward to being behind the mic for @foxcricket in Australia.

       "The issues facing cricket are bigger than any individual case and I want to be part of the solution, listening, educating myself and helping to make it a more welcoming sport for all."

       Mr Rafiq claimed Mr Vaughan said "too many of you lot, we need to do something about it" to him and a group of other players during a Yorkshire match in 2009.

       In a statement earlier this month, Mr Vaughan said: "I categorically deny saying the words attributed to me by Azeem Rafiq and want to re-state this publicly because the 'you lot' comment simply never happened.

       "It is extremely upsetting that this completely false accusation has been made against me by a former team-mate, apparently supported by two other players.

       "I have been in contact with the six other players from that team and not one of them has any recollection of the remark being made."

       READ MORE: Reputation of English cricket in tatters as Rafiq exposes toxic racism

       It comes after the former England captain was already stood down from his BBC radio show.

       Mr Rafiq appeared before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee to give evidence earlier this month.

       He told MPs of his allegations of racial harassment and bullying against Yorkshire.

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       The former Yorkshire spinner broke down on a number of occasions as he recalled his experiences during two spells at Yorkshire.

       He said: "All I wanted to do is play cricket and play for England and live my dream and live my family's dream."

       Following his appearance before MPs, Mr Rafiq apologised after antisemitic messages he sent to a former player more than a decade ago emerged.

       Mr Rafiq said on Twitter: "I am ashamed of this exchange and have now deleted it so as not to cause further offence.

       "I was 19 at the time and I hope and believe I am a different person today. I am incredibly angry at myself and I apologise to the Jewish community and everyone who is rightly offended by this.

       "At no point will I ever try and defend the indefensible. For those I have hurt I am sincerely sorry.

       "I will continue to front up and own any more mistakes I have made."