Essex's hopes of a first County Championship title since 1992 suffered a massive blow when the Cricket Discipline Commission fined the club 12 points. The sanction, for using a bat which was too big during their first game of the season in April, was applied to Essex player Feroze Khushi. The penalty has been confirmed by the CDC, and though Essex accepted the decision, they are clearly unhappy about how the rules have been applied. Essex said they would write to the CDC, the Cricket Regulator and the ECB seeking more detail about the investigation that led to the penalty being imposed. The club said: "Essex CCC regrets the outcome and, although disappointed with the appeal decision and subsequent sanctions, accepts the charges of the CDC panel. The club remains fully committed to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring strict compliance with all relevant regulations moving forward.” The incident occurred during Essex's match against Nottinghamshire on April 6. On-field umpires ruled that Khushi's bat was too big - a measurement taken mid-game on their order. Though Essex won the match by 254 runs, CDC later deducted 12 points off the 20 their opponents received. Essex had appealed the charge, which was brought by the Cricket Regulator. The 31-page ruling by the CDC pointed out that the gauges used to measure the bat of Khushi did not meet the required specifications. This penalty makes it nearly impossible for Essex in trying to catch-up Surrey, the current leaders in the title race. Essex is now 56 points behind Surrey with only two matches left in the season. Khushi apologized, saying he trusted his bat maker to follow the rules. Also Read | What is Slow Over Rate in Cricket? Rules and Penalty Explained