Merger of ECB, umpires and scorers delayed

A move to bring the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (ACUS) under the control of the ECB has been delayed after the ballot on the proposed formation of a new Association of Cricket Officials was deferred by General Council.

The ECB has expressed its frustration at the delay and any decision on the ballot won't now take place until the next meeting of General Council on October 27.

A statement said: "The ECB believes that the recommendations of the working party are the best way to establish a single organisation to represent the interests of all officials, working closely with the ECB county boards, regions and the European Cricket Council (ECC), and with close links to the MCC."

The aim had been to conduct the ballot before November 1, which is when ACUS members are due to renew their subscriptions.