The majority of the cricket world has great sympathy for the plight of Durham – though there may well be a few discreet smiles in the Southampton region – and much of that sympathy is justified. They are regarded more as victims of an entrepreneurial England and Wales Cricket Board than spendthrift villains.
Since Durham satisfied one of the criteria of becoming a first-class county two decades ago, which was to build a new stadium in their county, they have been an adornment to the professional game. They have won three County Championships, produced more than their fair share of England players and have offered their characteristically warm welcome to any visitors to the north-east.
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But, like many before them who possess a touch of idealistic zeal, they were slow to recognise their financial problems. Now they are stunned yet helpless at the penalty of relegation and docked points imposed by the ECB, who are simultaneously providing the money to keep them alive.
Paul Collingwood, who is employed by the ECB in Bangladesh, described the sanctions as a “big kick in the nutsâ€, an apt analogy since in the circumstances it is not possible for Durham to voice a coherent argument against the injustices of the world. They just have to wince, then grin and bear it.
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