Middlesex Cricket Club penalized by ECB for violating financial regulations

Middlesex Cricket Club Sanctioned by ECB for Financial Breaches

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has imposed sanctions on Middlesex Cricket Club due to their breaches of financial regulations. The decision follows an extensive investigation into the funds provided to the Middlesex Cricket Board (MCB) and Middlesex County Cricket Club.

The club has been given a points deduction across all formats, which will be suspended until October 2025. Additionally, payments from the ECB will be reduced as part of the sanctions imposed.

In response to these penalties, Middlesex expressed their extreme disappointment with both the outcome of the ECB investigation and the subsequent sanctions. However, they acknowledged that previous administrations had mismanaged finances over several years.

It was revealed that serious administrative irregularities in relation to the club’s pension scheme had greatly impacted their financial position. This prompted an investigation into wider financial governance issues at Middlesex by the ECB.

Agreement for Financial Recovery Plan

“We have agreements in place with all our county cricket clubs and county cricket boards to ensure that ECB funding is used appropriately for its intended purposes,” said Richard Gould, CEO of ECB. “We will work closely with Middlesex CCC and MCB in order to meet our agreed conditions.”

Sustainable Business Plan and Governance Reform

To rectify their financial situation and comply with ECB regulations, Middlesex and the ECB have agreed upon a written business plan. This plan includes a sustainable financial strategy that aims to demonstrate year-on-year profitability and limit player expenditures.

Additionally, Middlesex will implement governance reforms to separate the core operations of MCCC and MCB. It is crucial for these reforms to address the shortcomings in governance that were identified during the ECB investigation.

Suspension of Sanctions

The points deduction equivalent to one win in each of the County Championship, Metro Bank One-Day Cup, and Vitality T20 Blast has been suspended until October 31st, 2025. The ECB will also reduce payments to Middlesex by £150,000; however, £100,000 of this amount will be suspended until October 2025 as well.