Bevan defends PCA's role in Schofield case

Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, has defended his organisation's role in helping Chris Schofield pursue a claim of unfair dismissal against his former employers, Lancashire, following the conclusion of his employment tribunal in Manchester.

Despite winning his case, Schofield was awarded just £7000 in compensation, a decision that left him frustrated and Lancashire disappointed that the issue had had to be dragged out into the public. Jim Cumbes, Lancashire's chief executive, said that there would have to be a "cooling-off" period between his county and the PCA.

Bevan, however, was unapologetic afterwards, and issued a statement in response. "Following the conclusion of this case, we are aware that Lancashire CCC has questioned the PCA's role in supporting Chris Schofield. As the collective and representative voice of first-class cricketers in England and Wales, our job is to safeguard the rights of past, present and future first class cricketers.

"The favourable outcome of this case justifies our involvement and sends a message to all clubs in relation to best practice in employment matters."