Kent call for arbitration in ECB non-promotion saga
Kent are seeking arbitration with the England and Wales Cricket Board over their decision to keep the Canterbury-based side in Division Two and reinstate Hampshire to the top flight following Durham’s financial plight.
The ECB resolved that Hampshire should retain their Division One status, despite being relegated last season, after Durham were demoted as punishment for receiving a £3.8m financial bailout from the governing body.
Kent took exception to the ECB’s position after finishing runners up to Essex in Division Two and sought legal advice. Chairman George Kennedy met ECB counterpart Colin Graves last week, but is now seeking further dialogue.
“We have asked for arbitration in the situation, and we’ll see what comes of that,” said Kennedy.
The ECB remain adamant that their decision is consistent with restructuring plans ahead of the 2017 campaign, whereby two sides would be relegated and, contrary to the two of previous seasons, just one promoted.
An ECB spokesperson said: “Last week’s decision to relegate Durham was in line with the two-down, one-up relegation and promotion rules for this season’s county championship which were notified to all counties prior to the start of the 2016 season.”