CDC publishes sanctions against six former Yorkshire players and coaches

The independent Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) has today published its sanction decisions in relation to six former Yorkshire County Cricket Club players and coaches.

The sanctions follow a CDC Panel disciplinary hearing, held from 1 to 7 March, when five individuals – John Blain, Tim Bresnan, Andrew Gale, Matthew Hoggard and Richard Pyrah - were found to have breached ECB Directive 3.3 for their alleged use of racist and/or discriminatory language.

Additionally, Gary Ballance had already admitted to breaches of that same Directive. The CDC Panel then heard submissions on sanction at a further hearing on 3 May 2023.

The sanctions for each of the six individuals are outlined below (in alphabetical order) with the full written reasons available to view, here.

• Gary Ballance – a six-match playing suspension (to take effect if he returns to ECB-regulated cricket as a player) and a £3,000 fine. Mr Ballance is also formally reprimanded, together with a strong CDC recommendation to undertake an appropriate racism/discrimination education course identified by the ECB, at his own expense, particularly if he intends to return to cricket in any playing or coaching capacity.
• John Blain – a £2,500 fine. Mr Blain is also formally reprimanded, together with a strong CDC recommendation to undertake an appropriate racism/discrimination education course identified by the ECB, at his own expense, particularly if he intends to return to cricket in any playing or coaching capacity.
• Tim Bresnan – a three-match playing suspension (to take effect if he returns to ECB-regulated cricket as a player) and a £4,000 fine. Mr Bresnan is also formally reprimanded, together with a strong CDC recommendation to undertake an appropriate racism/discrimination education course identified by the ECB, at his own expense, particularly if he intends to return to cricket in any playing or coaching capacity.
• Andrew Gale – a four-week suspension from coaching cricket (to take effect if he returns to ECB-regulated cricket as a coach) and a £6,000 fine. Mr Gale is also formally reprimanded, together with a strong CDC recommendation to undertake an appropriate racism/discrimination education course identified by the ECB, at his own expense, particularly if he intends to return to cricket in any playing or coaching capacity.
• Matthew Hoggard - a £4,000 fine. Mr Hoggard is also formally reprimanded, together with a strong CDC recommendation to undertake an appropriate racism/discrimination education course identified by the ECB, at his own expense, particularly if he intends to return to cricket in any playing or coaching capacity.
• Richard Pyrah – a two-week suspension from coaching cricket (to take effect if he returns to ECB-regulated cricket as a coach) and a £2,500 fine. Mr Pyrah is also formally reprimanded, together with a strong CDC recommendation to undertake an appropriate racism/discrimination education course identified by the ECB, at his own expense, particularly if he intends to return to cricket in any playing or coaching capacity.

The sanctioned individuals are able to appeal the decisions before the end of business on Friday 9 June 2023.

The CDC has also confirmed that the sanction hearing for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, which has admitted four breaches of ECB Directive 3.3, will be held on Tuesday 27 June 2023.

These CDC sanction decisions have been made by an independent panel consisting of Tim O’Gorman (Chair of the CDC), Mark Milliken-Smith KC and Dr Seema Patel.

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