BURNLEY will not pursue their interest in joining Cricket's Premiership.

The Turf Moor club join Accrington, Rishton and Haslingden in snubbing the Lancashire Cricket Board scheme.

Burnley were thought to be the club most likely to break away from the Lancashire League.

But chairman Peter Lawson said today: "Burnley have taken a decision not to join the Premier League."

The club are understood to be unhappy with the way the LCB have approached the Premiership concept.

The decision comes on the back of reports that many Northern League clubs had decided to withdraw their interest.

And, while the LCB were effectively resigned to losing Lancashire League interest, the news will still be a blow to the Premiership.

Burnley are believed to be one of the 25 clubs on the LCB short-list.

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