Leicestershire are facing allegations of breaching England Cricket Board's (ECB) pitch regulations. Whether they avoid relegation or not depend on Cricket Discipline panel's decision.
The pitch in question is the one prepared for Leicestershire's home clash against Glamorgan last month which the home side won by 52 runs on Day 4. After the match's competition, referee Ian Ramage asked ECB's pitch and grounds advisor Andy Mackay to inspect the pitch which led to serious allegations.
Leicestershire head coach had defended the pitch that time but suggested that the pitch being drier than usual may have been a result of a Bollywood production team filming for a biopic at Upstonsteel Grace road.
"As the proceedings are ongoing, we will refrain from providing further comments until the outcome of the hearing is determined," the club said in a statement on September 7.
Glamorgan's head coach, Richard Dawson, had said that the pitch was difficult to bat on from Day 1 due to seaming conditions and variable bounce. He pointed at Ben Kellaway's dismissals in both innings to back his claim.
Leicestershire may lose 19 points
In the first innings, Leicestershire were bowled out for 151 in 62.5 overs. Glamorgan managed a one-run lead as they were bowled out for 152 in 53.1 overs. In the second innings, opener Sheridon Gumbs scored 93. Then, Tom Scriven's unbeaten 43 took the hosts to 257/9. In the run chase, skipper Kiran Carlson's 99 and Chris Cooke's resistance wasn't enough. Glamorgan got all out for 214 and lost the match by 42 runs.
The win helped Leicestershire earn 19 points. They are currently placed ninth on the points table with 113 points. If they lose 19 points after Cricket Regulator's decision, they will have 94 points which will push them closer to relegation. Currently, they still have a chance to move to eighth place and avoid relegation. Yorkshire have 120 points, Essex have 122 whereas Glamorgan and Surrey have 124 each.
Leicestershire are currently facing Somerset at home. After that, they have two more games left in the season.