Dear Members
We are writing to update you on an important development in the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) proceedings in relation to the involvement of Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
The CDC is the body that hears disciplinary cases in the professional domestic game in England and Wales, under the auspices of the ECB. I am pleased to confirm that, after many months, we have reached an agreement on CDC charges brought against the Club, resolving liability.
The Club has admitted four amended charges, all of which relate to conduct between 2004 and 2021, which the Club accepts may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket and/or may bring the ECB and/or the game of cricket into disrepute.
The four charges differ from the original six charges, having been amended through discussions with the ECB based on the Club’s original pleas and its evidence in these proceedings. It has taken some time to reach this position with the ECB, having proceeded cautiously in the best interests of the Club, but we are pleased to have now resolved liability.
The amended charges have allowed the Club to admit these and negotiate the withdrawal of other charges. This saves the Club the further time and costs of arguing liability at the final hearing listed for 1-9 March 2023.
The parties are to appear before the CDC Panel, on a date to be confirmed, to make submissions on sanction. A decision on sanction should follow over the coming weeks.
I am unable to go into further details, at this time, as the process remains ongoing, but please rest assured our focus is now on achieving a reasonable sanction. We will communicate any news as soon as we are legally able to do so.
This agreed position on liability is part of a continued effort to address and take accountability for the cultural issues that have faced the Club, and today’s announcement is an important moment on our road to recovery. We want to stress the importance of facing up to our past to build a more inclusive and welcoming club for all.
Our mission is to create a new foundation for the Club and, as such, it was crucial that we acknowledged and accepted responsibility for allowing historical racist and discriminatory behaviour to go unchecked. As an organisation, alongside our Members, we have been through so much in working towards a bright future. While the road ahead may not always be smooth, we truly believe that this will help lift a cloud that has been hanging over the Club for two years.
From increasing participation at youth level, to improvements to the matchday experience for all, we are proud of the progress that has been made over the past year and have full confidence in the newly installed Board and leadership team to continue this momentum. Their commitment to bringing Yorkshire back to where it should be, both on and off the pitch, is unwavering.
As a Member, you make up the lifeblood of this great Club. We will continue to provide updates as and when we can and, as we move forward, I ask for your support and understanding as we strive to make Headingley a place that truly welcomes everyone.
Yours sincerely,
Lord Kamlesh Patel and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson
Co-Chairs, Yorkshire County Cricket Club
