Cricket: Further clubs come under investigation over ineligible players
THE investigation into ineligible players in the North Staffs and South Cheshire League could rumble on for weeks, if not months, The Sentinel can reveal.
The league has been thrown into turmoil with further clubs joining the original seven under investigation over allegations that some of their players have been taking part in other competitions on a Sunday or in midweek.
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DISTRESSED: League president Chris Hopkin says the situation has damaged the NSSC League's reputation.
League rules state that clubs cannot field a player who has figured for another team in any league during the current season.
Stone League, Phoenix League and under-21 competitions are except from the ruling.
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Officials had hoped to resolve the ever-expanding saga ahead of this weekend's final matches of the season with several promotion and relegation issues still to be resolved.
However, due to the weight of clubs allegedly caught in the row, the league's management are bracing themselves for a prolonged period of investigation into player actions.
Officials will continue to plan for next season once this year's campaign has been concluded.
Investigations could continue up to the start of next season if clubs' involvement in the saga isn't unmasked in the coming weeks.
And the problem appears to be have been compounded after it emerged that second XI players are also coming under scrutiny.
Affected clubs, which span all four divisions in the league, are being notified of the league's stance as information comes to hand.
They have also been told of how many points they may stand to lose if they are found guilty.
However, speculation that clubs have already been hit with points penalties are wide of the mark.
League officials are hoping to meet later this week to review matters and see how best to proceed.
But the scenario may well prompt calls for a review of the rules – which are voted for by clubs – ahead of next season to avoid a similar scenario occurring.
Premier Division Cheadle were punished for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the season.
Former Derbyshire all-rounder Garry Park was banned from the league for the rest of the season in June after he breached league regulations by playing for Lancashire League side Rochdale.
Cheadle were deducted 76 points – the number gained in the matches Park had played following his return to the club.
The Moorlanders slumped to the foot of the table and have now been relegated back to Division One after just one season in the top flight.
NSSCL president Chris Hopkin admitted the situation had damaged the league's reputation.
"As officers we are deeply distressed about what is happening," he said. Hopefully, we can resolve the issues swiftly."
Comments
by NSSC_RIP
Thursday, September 06 2012, 9:26AM
“A golden opportunity for the NS District League to gain a few teams to play Saturday Cricket for local cricketers who play for the love of the game and not the vast amounts of money thrown away to win those useless flags you stick up for on your Pavilion for 5 months. Never had these problems or lack of values with players in the NSDCL.”
by byeckitscold
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 9:33PM
“.”
by BycarsRob
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 9:14PM
“I think all clubs should adopt an" I`m Spartacus" approach and put their hands up and say their pro/pro` have been playing away. Promotion and relegation could be then decided in the time honoured way of ranking teams according to how much they have spent on players.”
by gormhenghast
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 2:37PM
“you`re damned if you do and you`re damned if you don`t, how about scrapping this rule and seeing if "dope" testing players and mgmt would help, whimsical comment although some "high flyers" might hit the pits if it really happened................!!!!”
by anonymousC
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 12:45PM
“if the players were overseas professionals, the club should know where they are and what they are doing in accordance to their visa's.. If they are earning money elsewhere is this being disclosed and are the other leagues not checking visa's etc.. I know alot of clubs work hard acquiring these visa's and work incredibly hard getting the professionals over here..
unfortunately the league does state that the player cannot play in another league and thats what they went with Cheadle...
From what I have heard the NSSC is the only league to have such a rule, so will be probably be changed over the winter.”
by cricketgirl
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 12:16PM
“yes but as i said before there is no advantage if a player plays elsewhere on a Sunday or mid week to the Saturday team, Cheadle would be the only team in the league to then have been without a pro all season through no fault of their own”
by Potteries Vehicle Recycling
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 12:15PM
“League are snookered here, give Cheadle their points back, therfore admitting they were wrong, should open up a nice claim for damages against the league. Try to enforce it agains 14 clubs who are obviously wealthy enough to fight their legal corner, the league will have to defend themselves through the court there. No matter, they can just put the league fees up again, and perhaps charge £20 per transfer. Probably start charging £50 per email sent to clubs etc etc.
A winter of discontent beckons!!!”
by anonymousC
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 12:11PM
“But in giving Cheadle the points back it then drops another team where they may have not been involved in these players and is that fair?.. Its a very tricky situation.. Going into the last weekend of the cricket some people won't actually know if they are playing for titles or relegation.”
by cricketgirl
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 11:51AM
“Giving Cheadle their points back would make them safe from relegation, and so justice would be done and 2013 would be a new start for all”
by anonymousC
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 11:42AM
“But what about the points Cheadle would have acquired if they pro for the remainder of the season. The unfortunately league set a precedence with Cheadle..”