Matthew Hoggard leads trio of withdrawals from CDC hearings, reports say

Hoggard, the former England seam bowler, confirmed to the PA news agency that he would no longer be assisting the process, which is voluntary

Matthew Hoggard has withdrawn from the Cricket Discipline Commission's hearings relating to allegations of racism at Yorkshire.

Hoggard, the former England seam bowler, confirmed to the PA news agency that he would no longer be assisting the process, which is voluntary.

He had previously provided the commission with a witness statement, seen by The Cricketer.

^{Matthew Hoggard has reportedly withdrawn from the CDC hearings [Getty Images]}

Hoggard's withdrawal is reportedly down to a fear he would not receive a fair hearing in front of the CDC. The case is due to be heard in early March.

Hoggard is one of several individuals to have been charged by the ECB with bringing the game into disrepute following an investigation into the claims initially made by Azeem Rafiq about his experiences at Headingley.

Gary Ballance, the former England international batsman, has admitted the charge, while former Yorkshire head coach Andrew Gale declined to be part of the hearings. 

On Friday (February 3), The Times reported that two further individuals had withdrawn from the CDC process.

Tim Bresnan, the ex-Yorkshire and Warwickshire allrounder, and former Scotland bowler John Blain are also said to feel the process is flawed and that they would not receive a fair trial. 

Only two of the seven men charged by the ECB in June remain involved in the process: Michael Vaughan and Richard Pyrah.

^{Tim Bresnan is reported to have withdrawn from proceedings [Getty Images]}

The ECB issued a statement addressing media reports of the trio's withdrawal.

"Individuals are entitled to choose not to participate in the hearings if they wish," it read. "But the cases will still be heard in their absence and we are satisfied that the disciplinary process in this matter has been both rigorous and fair.

"The ECB's investigation and disciplinary process has been overseen by an independent committee and specialist leading King's Counsel (KC).

"As with any case before the Cricket Discipline Commission, defendants are entitled to a fair hearing by an independent and experienced CDC panel where they can call witnesses, and they can also challenge the evidence in support of the charge, including through cross-examination of the ECB's witnesses. It is entirely the decision of defendants if they choose not to take advantage of this opportunity.

"At the end of the hearing it is for the independent CDC panel, not the ECB, to determine guilt or otherwise and any sanction."