In HPCL’s Sykes Cup first round tie between Kirkburton and Moorlands last Sunday 1st — won by Moorlands— it has come to light that Moorlands fielded player Kazimierz Szymanski, who had not played the required number of qualifying matches to make him eligible to play in that 1st round game. This was confirmed by HPCL’s Match and Registration Secretary during the June Executive Committee Meeting.
However prior to the match Moorlands contacted a League Official to confirm Szymanski’s eligibility. Unfortunately, the Official checked the digital version of the Sykes Cup rules published on HPCL’s website which, it has now been established, had not been updated with a small but important technical change to the previous eligibility rules. As a result, but in good faith, the Official incorrectly gave Moorlands clearance to select the player.
HPCL’s Executive Committee has historically applied its competition Rules diligently. However the League acknowledges that, in these very unfortunate circumstances, it provided Moorlands with what proved to be incorrect advice that they relied on. Therefore the Executive unanimously believes it has no alternative other than to rule that the match result should stand, with MCC going forward into the Sykes Cup draw for the second round (QF).
As a further note MCC won the tie with more than 4 overs to spare. Szymanski did not bat and bowled only 4 overs taking no wickets.
However, Kirkburton CC have subsequently lodged a formal appeal against this decision.
As a result, the matter will, over the next few days, be put to a HPCL-wide vote of the Council to endorse the decision of the Executive, or to uphold the Appeal of Kirkburton.
The League Executive would also like to take this opportunity to remind all clubs that it is their responsibility to ensure they are fully satisfied with any eligibility criteria or rule clarification by referring directly to the League Handbook, which all clubs should possess. Any queries should be directed to the appropriate League Officer, or if uncertain, referred to the General Secretary.
Update
Clubs voting concluded on Monday 9th June 2025 in response to Kirkburton CC’s Appeal to the Council regarding the ruling made by the League’s Executive Committee that would have confirmed Moorlands CC going forward into the 2nd round of the Sykes Cup, despite inadvertently playing an ineligible cricketer.
By a majority the Council have voted to uphold KCC’s Appeal. Therefore MCC must forfeit the tie and KCC will now go forward to play at Barkisland CC on Sunday 15th June 2025.
