The Tigers had resumed on 1-118 in chase of the Hawks' 191 but were without star Cameron White (84 not out on day one), who was in Perth with the Melbourne Stars for the Big Bash League semi-finals.

From the opening overs on Saturday the Tigers were quickly in trouble, losing 4-21 behind the bowling of Hawks fast bowler Tom Collett (4-24).

After former Test player Graham Manou was dismissed, the umpires, who had let play begin, looked over the pitch again and offered Richmond the chance to leave the field, an opportunity it took with the score on 5-139.

No Tigers batsmen were believed to have been hit in the head or body during the morning session, although one player was struck on the hand by a rising delivery.

Hawks club president Petar Ivetic said the matter would go to the Premier Cricket pennant committee to adjudicate whether either team would be awarded the match.

"It's an indictment on everyone - there is no winner from this," he said.

The committee is believed to be meeting on Wednesday night.

Ivetic wouldn't comment on Richmond's complaints about the pitch but other Hawks are believed to be incensed by the vocal objections of some Tigers' batsmen during play.

Tigers president Ken Sharpe, who was not at the game, said his players totally supported the umpires' decision and agreed the pitch was unsafe.

"I'm told one of our batsmen took guard and moisture came off the pitch," he said.

"It will go to the pennant committee now. Hopefully, the Hawks have a reason as to why the pitch was wet.

"But from our point of view the fact was that it did happen and we will be asking for the points."

A Hawks win would have been a major embarrassment to the Tigers, who are just three points behind Dandenong in sixth place on the ladder and, even without White, featured first-class players Ryan Carters, Will Sheridan and Manou.

■ One ray of sunshine for the Hawks was an upset win for their seconds side over Richmond at Central Reserve.

Chasing 204, the Hawks were led to victory by 16-year-old opener Liam Tonkin (100 not out) as they closed play on 7-215. Tonkin, a batsman and wicketkeeper, had previously shown some form, including a 90 not out during a Twenty20 game earlier this season. The Hawks travel to Geelong this Saturday for day one of a two-day clash and Richmond hosts St Kilda at Waverley.