We believe that the totality of penalties applied to Durham CCC by the ECB as a punishment for their financial mismanagement is grossly disproportionate to the offences.  The wide ranging nature of the measures imposed mean that the innocent suffer alongside the culpable.  The heaviest burden of punishment falls upon the Durham players and supporters.  The reactions of cricket professionals, commentators, journalists and MP's is almost universal in condemning the package of punitive measures as "over the top".

We call upon the ECB to demonstrate its magnanimity by rescinding the penalty points it has imposed upon Durham - in all forms of the game - next season, thereby offering the players and supporters some hope of redemption - a glimmer of hope at the end of a long dark tunnel.