The Cricket Disciplinary Commission (CDC) of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced sanctions following its investigations into allegations of racism in Yorkshire. The CDC has imposed a range of suspensions and fines on six former players and coaches, namely Gary Ballance, John Blain, Tim Bresnan, Andrew Gale, Matthew Hoggard, and Rich Pyrah, after finding them guilty of using racist and/or discriminatory language.

These sanctions will only come into effect if the individuals seek to return to playing or coaching within the ECB’s jurisdiction. They have until Friday, June 9 to appeal the decisions made by the CDC.

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Andrew Gale, the former captain of Yorkshire who later served as head coach from 2016 to 2021, has been fined £6000 and suspended from coaching for four weeks. However, Gale has not been involved in the game since being dismissed by the club.

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Gary Ballance, who recently retired after switching from representing England to Zimbabwe, admitted his offense prior to the hearing and received a £3000 fine along with a six-match playing suspension. Tim Bresnan and Matthew Hoggard, both former England internationals, were fined £4000 each, with Bresnan also receiving a four-match ban.

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ECB Fine Responsible Players And Members For Yorkshire Scandal

John Blain, the former Scotland seamer, and Rich Pyrah, who served as Gale’s assistant at Yorkshire, were fined £2500 each. All six individuals were reprimanded and urged to undertake an “appropriate racism/discrimination education course” identified by the ECB, at their own expense.

It is worth noting that all of these sanctions were less severe than the recommendations initially made by the ECB earlier this month.

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The charges were filed following evidence provided by former Yorkshire all-rounder Azeem Rafiq, following revelations made before a parliamentary select committee in 2021. Another player, former England captain Michael Vaughan, was cleared of similar charges of using racist language.

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Yorkshire, who admitted to four ECB charges prior to the hearings in March, may also face penalties. The CDC panel, consisting of chair Tim O’Gorman, Mark Milliken-Smith KC, and Dr. Seema Patel, is set to hear submissions on June 27 regarding the club’s actions.

These sanctions highlight the ECB’s commitment to addressing issues of racism and discrimination within the sport and to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in cricket.

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