Essex Deducted 12 Points Over Oversized Bat Incident

Essex Cricket Club has been docked 12 points after player Feroze Khushi used an oversized bat, violating regulations during a match against Nottinghamshire. Despite appealing the penalty, Essex's challenge was unsuccessful, significantly impacting their County Championship title chances.

In a major setback, Essex Cricket Club has been penalized 12 points after player Feroze Khushi was found using a bat that exceeded size regulations, the County Championship side announced on Wednesday.

During an April match against Nottinghamshire, Khushi's bat, manufactured by Gray-Nicolls, failed a bat-gauge test. Despite scoring 21 off 27 runs before being asked to replace his bat, Essex won the match by 254 runs, earning 20 points.

Essex appealed the penalty, citing procedural irregularities, but their challenge was unsuccessful. This points deduction significantly jeopardizes Essex's chances of clinching the County Championship title this season. The club's president, Keith Fletcher, criticized the cricket board's decision, asserting that all regulations were followed.

(With inputs from agencies.)