Hampshire points deduction threat eased

Hampshire have succeeded in partially easing the points deduction threat imposed upon them by an ECB disciplinary panel.

Five fixed-penalty offences in a 12-month period had left Hampshire facing the threat of penalties if they transgressed once more in a 12-month period, but that threat has been extended to two further instances on appeal.

The ruling, although it will be welcomed by Hampshire, adds to the uncertainty of a season that is crumbling before their eyes with five straight defeats in all competitions. They are rooted to the bottom of the LV= Championship First Division and are falling out of contention in the NatWest T20 Blast, three successive defeats representing their worst losing run for eight years.

An ECB appeal panel chaired by Gerard Elias QC, concluded: "The appeal panel accepted that the systems for the induction of all players at Hampshire and the inculcation of the importance of good discipline were at the level expected of a first class county. However the directive 3.5.17 aims to ensure that counties take action when a number of disciplinary incidents have occurred involving their players.

"The appeal panel emphasizes the importance of addressing disciplinary issues with the individual player and the playing squad as a whole after each fixed penalty breach and expects that a record of such action be made and retained.

"The appeal panel upheld the original points penalty, namely a points deduction of 16 points in the LV= County Championship, 2 points in the NatWest T20 Blast or 2 points in the Royal London One-Day Cup, suspended for a period of 12 months from the date of the disciplinary panel hearing.

"The appeal panel, however, determined that the points deduction would only be imposed if a further two fixed penalty breaches were committed by Hampshire players within that 12 month period. The CDC Chairman would determine to which competition the points deduction would apply."