ED GIDDINS could face sanctions in his retirement from cricket after being named in various quarters yesterday in connection with a bet on a county match. A player — believed to be Giddins — allegedly stood to win £7,000 after Surrey were beaten by Northamptonshire in a National League game in August 2002.

Although injury forced the seam bowler, capped four times by England, to leave Hampshire last summer, he would not be exempt from punishment under ECB regulations because he was a contracted county player at the time. Gerard Elias, QC, the chairman of the disciplinary committee, is investigating the claims.

The offence carries a ban of up to five years, but that would have little effect on Giddins, 32, even though it covers much of the recreational game as well as the first-class tier — he has no ambitions at club level. However, if found guilty at a full disciplinary panel hearing, he could face an unlimited fine. The disciplinary committee is next due to meet on March 5.

Rules drawn up after the Hansie Cronje case forbid players from betting on any game, whether or not they are participating. Giddins did not feature in the match said to be in question, at Whitgift School, because Surrey’s leading players were at Headingley preparing for a delayed Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy semi-final.

He is on holiday in Florida and was unavailable for comment last night. A spokesman for the ECB said: “We cannot confirm the identity of the player involved. We are aware of an allegation and it is in the hands of Gerard Elias to decide on the appropriate course of action. There is no deadline.”

Elias must consider the practicality of pursuing the case after taking evidence from all parties, believed to include a statement from a Surrey member who reported the bet. The ECB is powerless to subpoena Giddins, who could decide not to co-operate if Elias opts to set up a hearing. Meanwhile, any fine might prove difficult to enforce.

For all that, the ECB will not be too disappointed that news of its investigation has come to light less than two months before the start of the new season. It provides a timely reminder to players of their responsibilities to a sport that is still trying to win back public trust after the Cronje affair.