Yorkshire cleared by regulator over £1.75m payment to chief executive's firm

Yorkshire have escaped without charges from the Cricket Regulator after a formal investigation into a £1.75m payment the county made to a company controlled by the club's chief executive, Sanjay Patel. The payment was for work on the sale of the Northern Superchargers Hundred franchise. The Guardian revealed in June that the England and Wales Cricket Board was reviewing the consultancy fee.

The regulator investigated the fee paid to Sanjay Patel's company SMP73 Ltd, which consulted on the sale of the Northern Superchargers franchise. Yorkshire have escaped without charges following the investigation. The county maintains the payment was appropriate for the work carried out.

The case highlights scrutiny over financial arrangements between counties and their executives during franchise sales. The regulator's decision brings the matter to a close.