ECB seeking fine and eight-week ban for Gary Ballance over racism case

The former England batsman Gary Ballance should face an eight-week ban for his part in the Yorkshire racism scandal even though he retired last month, the England and Wales Cricket Board has told the Cricket Discipline Commission.

The 33-year-old, who is one of six Yorkshire players accused of using racist language following allegations made by Azeem Rafiq, has also been recommended to face an £8,000 fine and to take a racism and discrimination course at his own expense if he returns to the game.

Ballance, who played 23 Tests and 16 one-day internationals for England, has previously admitted using discriminatory and/or racist language in the presence of Rafiq.

However, Jane Mulcahy KC, legal counsel for the ECB, said that Ballance’s acknowledgment of his guilt deserved a reduction in his sanction. “We understand there has been a significant impact on Mr Ballance’s mental health, and that, in April 2023, Mr Ballance announced his retirement from professional cricket,” she told the panel. “So the ECB therefore suggests there be a reprimand, Mr Ballance be fined £8,000, reduced from £12,500, to take in effect his admissions.

“We also make a strong recommendation that he attend a racism and discrimination course at his own expense, particularly if he intends to return to the game in playing or coaching capacity. And also an eight-week suspension, reduced from 10 weeks, if Mr Ballance ever returns to ECB-regulated cricket as a player.”

Ballance’s lawyer, Craig Harris, argued the financial penalty should be reduced due to the cost of being involved in the proceedings, and because his client had lost his job as a player at Yorkshire, a sponsorship contract, and was not considered for England selection. “Mr Ballance has genuine