Warwickshire dropped to second tier; loses protest

Warwickshire officials protested that Hampshire and Derbyshire, which both finished in the top nine this season, colluded to ensure both clubs remained in Division One.

But after meeting with Derbyshire captain Dominic Cork and Hampshire captain Robin Smith plus both match umpires, the ECB ruled that no collusion had taken place.

“After examining the match data and questioning both umpires and both captains at length, the ECB cricket department has concluded that the game of cricket was not brought into disrepute,” said an ECB spokesman. “As a result, no action will be taken against either side.”

“It has been suggested that … Hampshire had consciously assisted Derbyshire in their quest for the two batting points that secured their First Division status.

“Hampshire strenuously deny this suggestion and the umpires have confirmed that the cricket in this passage of play was competitive.”

Derbyshire picked up the batting points to secure their spot in the top flight, while Hampshire secured a two-run win which gave them enough points to avoid relegation.

Warwickshire Chief Executive Dennis Amiss said he had to abide by the ECB’s decision.

The move to introduce a two-tiered competition was designed to strengthen England’s domestic game.

But Warwickshire, one of the games’ most successful clubs of the ’90s, was the major casualty.

Despite having South Africa’s world-leading pace bowler Allan Donald on their books, Warwickshire can earn promotion only by winning the Division Two championship next season.