by Our Sports Desk

Durham waited anxiously yesterday to discover the extent and nature of any sanction from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as the county club continues to battle financial difficulties.

Following a report in The Times, detailing Durham’s debts and receipt of loans from the governing body in order for the club to remain viable this summer, the ECB released a short statement yesterday.

A financial penalty appears unlikely, in the circumstances, leaving one possibility that Durham may instead be hit with a County Championship points deduction — and conceivably, relegation.

Discussions are ongoing, with the ECB saying that they talk “regularly with all first-class counties to ensure they each have sustainable long-term plans.

“It’s well known that we’ve had several conversations throughout the season with Durham about the opportunities and challenges facing the club.

“We are fully committed to supporting the game in the North East and are working closely with the club to ensure a successful and sustainable future.”

A Durham statement added: “Durham CCC confirms that talks continue with the ECB in relation to securing a long-term future for the club with a sustainable funding model.”

A points deduction, if taking effect retrospectively for this season rather than at the start of 2017, would need to be severe to have the significant ramification of relegation.

Durham finished fourth, 30 points behind champions Middlesex and 45 points clear of relegation.

They ensured their safety in the top flight with victory at home to Surrey in their penultimate Division One match and then went on to win again at Hampshire in their final fixture — sending their hosts down alongside bottom-of-the-table Nottinghamshire.

Durham, the newest team in the County Championship after being granted first-class status in 1992, went on to win the title three times in six seasons between 2008 and 2013.