The membership argued within the disciplinary tribunal that an unscheduled Bollywood movie shoot – for Sourav Ganguly’s upcoming biopic – at Grace Highway 4 days earlier than the Glamorgan fixture had compelled their grounds crew to reveal the pitch to eight hours of vivid sunshine, however the panel stated that the membership “ought to have envisaged the necessity to incorporate safety of the pitch” whereas filming happened.
After their win in opposition to Hampshire final week, Leicestershire sit ninth in Division One heading into the ultimate spherical of fixtures, 19 factors behind eighth-placed Essex. They face leaders Warwickshire at Edgbaston needing a win to remain up (assuming the factors deduction stands), whereas Essex journey to Glamorgan understanding {that a} draw can be sufficient to make sure survival.
“Lots of you’ve gotten contacted the membership following the Cricket Self-discipline Panel’s resolution on the pitch ready for our County Championship match in opposition to Glamorgan in August,” White stated in an open letter to supporters. “Thanks on your endurance and your help.
“The membership respects the Cricket Self-discipline Panel course of, which is ongoing. Nevertheless, now we have critical considerations concerning the course of that resulted within the panel’s resolution on the cost and the sanctioning process. I can affirm that the membership can be interesting.
“The membership has instructed specialist sports activities regulation barrister Craig Harris of Furnival Chambers to advise and symbolize us, and Oliver Laurence of Periculum Sport to supply impartial professional and strategic help all through the attraction.”
White added: “The Panel itself discovered that the membership didn’t intend the pitch to play because it did and that this was not a case of dishonest. Our grounds crew has an impressive document, and I’m pleased with the work they do.
“As we intend to attraction, it will not be acceptable for the membership to remark additional at this stage. I might ask all supporters to do the identical, and to deal with everybody concerned, together with gamers and employees from different counties, and people concerned with administering this course of, with politeness and respect, each on the floor and on-line.”
If Leicestershire end ninth, however fewer than 27 factors behind Essex, then the 2 golf equipment will face an anxious wait on the result of an attraction earlier than they get affirmation of which division they may play in subsequent season. Hampshire have already been relegated to Division Two and Durham promoted, with Kent and Northamptonshire battling over the second promotion spot.