Club Statement: Appeal Outcome

Dear Members and Supporters,

I want to update you following the conclusion of the appeal against the Cricket Discipline Panel’s decision on the pitch prepared for our County Championship match against Glamorgan in August.

I am sorry to tell you that the appeal has not been successful. The finding against the Club stands, and with it the deduction of the points we earned in that match. As a result, Leicestershire will play in Division Two of the County Championship next season.

As part of our appeal, we sought to introduce fresh expert evidence from one of the world’s leading curators. We were not permitted to do so. We firmly believe this evidence would have made a significant difference to the outcome, and it is deeply frustrating that it could not be heard.

From the outset, the Club felt rushed and under considerable pressure throughout this process. The conduct of our opponents during the match also added a further dimension to the matter, which we believe affected how the situation was perceived and handled from the very beginning.

The Club acknowledges and respects the conclusion of this process. I would like to thank our barrister, Craig Harris of Furnival Chambers, and our Strategic Advisor, Oliver Laurence of Periculum Sport, for their tireless work and expertise. They gave the Club the best possible chance, and we are very grateful to them.

Pitch regulations are vitally important. They exist to ensure fairness across our competition, and we fully support them. However, the Club believes there is an opportunity to bring greater clarity and consistency to pitch inspections, ratings and the processes that follow. We recognise the challenges involved in assessing pitches and would welcome further dialogue with the Cricket Regulator and the ECB to help counties better understand how decisions are reached. A shared commitment to transparency and the fair application of regulations will help strengthen confidence in the process across the game.

Leicestershire is not a club with endless resources to call upon lawyers the moment an issue arises. We have, however, learned a great deal from this experience, and we will put those lessons to good use.

We are hugely disappointed by this outcome, but we will not allow it to define us. Our grounds team continues to have my full support, and I remain immensely proud of the work they do. Come pre-season, we will be ready to battle it out in Division Two, and to fight our way back.

Thank you, as always, for your patience, your loyalty and for standing with us throughout this difficult period. I would once again ask all supporters to treat everyone involved, including players and staff from other counties and those who administered this process, with courtesy and respect, both at the ground and online.

Emma White
CHIEF EXECUTIVE