Photo via Hindustan Times

Sourav Ganguly biopic shoot linked to Leicestershire’s 27-point penalty after ‘poor pitch’ controversy

Leicestershire's battle to avoid relegation took a severe hit after the club received a 27-point disciplinary sanction for failing to provide a suitable playing surface during their August 20-23 County Championship fixture against Glamorgan. The ruling by the Cricket Discipline Panel upheld charges from the sport's regulator, resulting in an immediate points cut alongside an additional suspended eight-point deduction lasting through the 2027 season and a 5,000-pound financial penalty.

Sitting at the foot of Division One during their penultimate contest versus Hampshire, the club is evaluating its options and has until September 29 to lodge an official appeal prior to their season-ending trip to Warwickshire on September 24.

Head groundsman Lewin defended the conditions at Grace Road, explaining that an unannounced one-day Bollywood film shoot centered on former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly had disrupted preparations just four days ahead of the match. During the production, staff were prohibited from watering, covering, or tending to the turf throughout eight hours of intense 35-degree heat.