Yorks confirm Twenty20 appeal

Yorkshire confirm appeal against Twenty20 expulsion, hearing on Monday.

Last updated: 11th July 2008

Yorks confirm Twenty20 appeal

Rafiq: Not registered

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Yorkshire have revealed that they will appeal against the ECB's decision to throw them out of this season's Twenty20 Cup.

The Phoenix were thrown out of the competition before taking on Durham in their scheduled quarter-final game as punishment for fielding an ineligible player.

17-year-old academy spinner Azeem Rafiq played against Nottinghamshire in the group stages but he was not registered as a first-teamer and also did not hold a British passport.

The ECB expelled Yorkshire from the competition and then ordered Notts to face Durham to see who will head to finals day and a semi-final spot.

However, after holding a board meeting to discuss the punishment, Yorkshire have now confirmed that they will be appealing.

The stake are high for Yorkshire, with both Twenty20 Cup finalists earning a spot in the multi-million Champions League.

Statement

"Further to a Board meeting of The Yorkshire County Cricket Club this morning, the Club have confirmed to the ECB that they will be appealing against the decision to exclude the Club from this year's Twenty20 Cup Competition," a statement from the county read.

"The Club feel that the punishment is manifestly disproportionate to the offence and as such feels duty-bound on behalf of its players, members and staff to lodge an appeal.

"It is understood that the Appeal will be heard on Monday 14th July at 2.30 pm in Taunton, Somerset.

"As yet the identities of the Panel hearing the Appeal are unknown."

Durham disappointment

Durham are not pleased with the current situation either, as they missed out on staging a big game with Yorkshire.

They could also be without South African stars Shaun Pollock and Albie Morkel i n any rearrange fixture and the entire affair has left a sour taste at the Riverside.

"I'm disappointed about the whole affair," Durham's chief executive David Harker said.

"The whole thing is a pretty sorry situation. To be geared up to play a game then have to cancel it just before it is due to start is embarrassing.

"We have already put the case that we are being unduly punished for something that had nothing to do with us.

"We don't have anything new to add so I don't think an appeal would be successful."