2.45pm – Durham CCC informed that game cannot go ahead and were asked by ECB not to open gates to spectators. Durham CCC then challenge the ECB’s decision and ask them to reconsider as the Club believe that the game should go ahead.
3.30pm – No confirmation from ECB is received by Durham CCC regarding its challenge and the decision is taken by the Club to open the gates for the safety and comfort of the spectators queuing outside the ground.
3.30 – 4.30pm A number of calls are exchanged between Durham CCC and officials at ECB.
4.23pm – A draft press release, announcing the postponement of the game is issued by ECB to Durham CCC. This press release is challenged by Durham CCC.
4.45pm – Durham CCC is asked by ECB to consider playing an exhibition match. Neither set of players are keen on this suggestion and given that it had started to rain by this time the ground was unfit and potentially unsafe to play on.
5.00pm – It was agreed by both sides not to risk the players in a meaningless match in adverse weather conditions. The ECB then insisted that the quarter final could not go ahead and issued a press release to this effect. Durham CCC then contacted the ECB Match Manager to request that an announcement be made over the PA system in inform spectators.
Durham CCC is hugely concerned at last night’s events partly because of the potential direct financial consequences but, more importantly, the damage to the reputation of Durham CCC and cricket, as a whole.
Durham CCC will argue to ECB that we should be able to proceed to Finals Day without having to replay a quarter final in what is already a very busy playing and travelling schedule.
Those spectators that wish to obtain a refund should contact the Box Office on 0844 499 4466 or visit www.durhamcricket.co.uk for further details. Durham CCC will take up the issue of compensation with the ECB on behalf of our spectators.