Durham reveal Twenty20 timeline

Jul 8 2008 By Graeme Whitfield

Durham today revealed the chain of events they claim led to the postponement of their Twenty20 Cup quarter-final against Yorkshire.

Last night’s match was called off at the last moment after the England and Wales Cricket Board discovered the visitors had fielded an ineligible player earlier in the competition.

The postponement sparked chaotic scenes at the Riverside, with thousands of fans who had arrived for the game left bemused when they were finally told it was off less than five minutes before the 5.10pm scheduled start of play.

Durham have released a statement claiming the ECB first informed them the game could not go ahead at 2.45pm and were told not to open the gates to fans.

The club decided to challenge the ruling but by 3.30pm had not heard anything further from the ECB so decided to open the gates ``for the safety and comfort" of spectators.

The next hour saw ``a number of calls" exchanged betwen the club and officials at the ECB, who issued a draft press release to Durham announcing the postponement of the match.

The club challenged this and at 4.45pm was asked by the ECB to consider playing an exhibition against Yorkshire.

Durham say neither set of players was happy with this, especially as it had begun to rain, and at 5pm both sides agreed to abandon any attempt to play.

The club say they then contacted the ECB match manager to request that an announcement be made over the PA system in inform spectators.

The timeline of events according to Durham:

2.45pm - Durham informed that game cannot go ahead and are asked by ECB not to open gates to spectators. Durham ask ECB to reconsider.

3.30pm - No confirmation from ECB is received by Durham regarding its challenge and the club decides to open the gates for the safety and comfort of the spectators outside the ground.

3.30 - 4.30pm - A number of calls are exchanged between Durham and officials at ECB.

4.23pm - A draft press release, announcing the postponement of the game is issued by ECB to Durham, who challenge the release.

4.45pm - Durham are asked by ECB to consider playing an exhibition match.

5.00pm - It is agreed by both sides not to risk the players in an exhibition match in adverse weather conditions. The ECB then insist that the quarter-final could not go ahead and issued a press release to this effect. Durham then contacted the ECB match manager to request that an announcement be made over the PA system in inform spectators.