Gloucestershire Avoid Sanctions

Gloucestershire will not face any disciplinary measures following the abandonment of their County Championship match against Northamptonshire last month.

The match was halted during the final session of the first day after Ricardo Vasconcelos and Rob Keogh, Northamptonshire’s batsmen, were forced to retire hurt after being struck on the hand by deliveries from Gloucestershire pacer Ajeet Singh Dale. Umpires Chris Watts and Sue Redfern suspended play due to safety concerns, with Northamptonshire at 116-2 in reply to Gloucestershire’s 125.

Following discussions with match referee Jason Swift and ECB pitch inspectors at Lord’s, the game was officially abandoned. However, the Cricket Regulator announced that Gloucestershire had taken all necessary steps to prepare the best possible pitch, meaning no sanctions would be imposed.

The match, played on a hybrid pitch, saw Gloucestershire bowled out in just 36.1 overs, and Vasconcelos was later taken to the hospital with a suspected broken finger. Northamptonshire took 11 points, including three bowling bonus points, while Gloucestershire, despite earning no points, will not face any penalties or financial repercussions.

The Cricket Regulator’s investigation included interviews with match officials, captains, coaches, and ground staff, as well as a review of video footage and a technical report. Their findings concluded that the pitch’s bounce was uneven and posed a danger to the players, fully supporting the decision to abandon the match.

The regulator also advised Gloucestershire to take preventive measures in the future, with guidance from the ECB pitch advisor who had inspected the Bristol surface.

The Cricket Regulator, established last year, oversees matters related to discipline, anti-corruption, anti-discrimination, and player safety, operating independently of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).