Chris Schofield has won his case for unfair dismissal against county cricket side Lancashire, after his controversial release from his contract at the end of last season.
An employment tribunal in Manchester found in favour of the former England leg-spinner.
Schofield, 26, argued that he had not been given sufficient warning of his impending release, which hampered his ability to find alternative employment with another county.
But Lancashire claimed if it had followed proper employment law procedure, of verbal warnings and a final warning, it would have affected Schofield’s confidence and his ability to perform to his highest standards.
Schofield said. “I am a cricketer and that’s what I want to do – not sit in a court like I have been doing recently.”
A spokesman for Lancashire said the county was disappointed by the decision. “They did not find that we were wrong to release Schofield, just in the way we went about it,” he said.
The two sides will meet again at a hearing on 12 May to decide the level of compensation.
Lancashire have indicated it may appeal, depending on the amount.
