Cricketers who accused an Oxford club committee of racism have urged Sport England to withdraw support from a controversial development which will safeguard the future of their former ground.

Members of the cricket section of the Morris Motors Athletic and Social Club wrote to the agency after it was kicked off the Crescent Road playing field.

Cricketers claimed they were ejected because 60 per cent of them are Asian and they were not ploughing enough money into the bar because their religion did not allow them to drink.

The club's committee denied racism, stating the cricket section was evicted for financial reasons.

The allegations could jeopardise the club's future. It will be forced to close if a controversial development to build 63 houses and flats as well as a new clubhouse, does not go ahead.

To get planning permission, the club needs the support of Sport England, the Government sports development agency.

Sport England officers confirmed they were investigating the racism claims.

Fran Edwards, of Sport England, said: "We are asking the club for clarification of this issue."

George Wakefield, cricket section secretary, said: "We wrote to Sport England telling them that the scheme was no longer a high priority, multi racial project.

"When the club was in dire trouble financially we offered to help them out with £1,500."

Dr Ciara Walsh, vice chairman of the club's committee, said the reasons for getting rid of the cricket section were financial, not racial.

She said: "We have been urging the cricket section to improve the way it runs for several years."

She said the cricket section's offer of help with funding was made by the club's previous committee.

The club's chairman, Tom Doliame, who is Asian, refused to comment.