'Buck stops with me,' says Yorkshire chief after Riverside debacle

10:55am Tuesday 8th July 2008

YORKSHIRE chief executive Stewart Regan today admitted 'the buck stops with me' over the eligibility debacle which forced the postponement of his sides Twenty20 Cup quarter-final at Durham.

Last night saw chaotic scenes at the Riverside as the England and Wales Cricket Board called off the match upon discovering the visitors had fielded an ineligible player during the group stage of the competition.

Thousands of fans, many of whom had only just arrived at the ground, were left bemused when the news reached them less than five minutes before the scheduled 5.10pm start.

Regan confirmed this morning that Yorkshire had failed to correctly register the player at the centre of the allegation - 17-year-old Azeem Rafiq - as a first-teamer.

The Tykes chief claims the ECB were prepared to backdate his registration but then discovered he did not hold a British passport.

It was the combination of both factors which led to the postponement of yesterday's match and Regan has held his hands up over the affair which could affect Yorkshire's chances of qualifying for the highly lucrative Twenty20 Champions League.

"Ultimately, the buck stops with me. Im responsible for running the club," Regan told BBC Radio Five Live.

But asked whether he would consider his position, Regan countered: "I don't think making a scapegoat of someone is what this matter is all about."

What do you think? Should heads roll over the debacle? Did you go to the game? If so what do you think?

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