ECB recommend eight-week ban and £8k fine for Gary Ballance for racist language

03 May 2023 , 16:31

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The ECB gave recommended an eight-week ban for Ballance (Image: PA)

Gary Ballance should be banned from cricket for eight weeks and pay an £8,000 fine for his use of racist language according to the ECB.

The governing body put forward their recommendations for sanctions on the six former players found guilty of using racist language and bringing the game into disrepute, with Ballance to face the stiffest penalty in a total of £37,000 worth of fines.

The former batsman recently retired from playing professional cricket so the ban may not have an impact, unless he decides to return in the near future.

Two other former players, Andrew Gale and Richard Pyrah, have also had bans recommended for their punishments as well as fines of four weeks and two weeks respectively.

Both men went into coaching following their playing careers, but in Gale’s case he has since left the game, while it is unclear whether Pyrah is currently coaching or not.

Ballance set to make Test return for Zimbabwe after Yorkshire racism scandal

In the case of former England bowlers Matthew Hoggard and Tim Bresnan, the ECB are seeking fines of £7,500 and £5000 respectively, with a reprimand and attendance at a racism and discrimination education course at their own expense.

The final player John Blain could also be facing a £5000 fine and a reprimand, although he had originally indicated that he would appeal any sanctions.

The independent cricket disciplinary commission panel chair Tim O’Gorman said it would take several weeks for a decision to be made on the final sanctions.

Dean Wilson