ECB issues clean chit to Brendon McCullum over 22Bet India furore

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has cleared Brendon McCullum, England men's red-ball head coach, over his role with bookmaker 22Bet India. McCullum came under scrutiny after appearances in YouTube advertisements and posts on social media in which he can be seen encouraging betting in the IPL.

For the unversed, the former New Zealand skipper’s deal with the Cyprus-registered company was announced in November 2022, just six months into his role as the head coach of England. However, advertisements in recent times have come under the scanner, particularly in New Zealand. 

"The IPL is coming, and I think all cricket fans are excited for this big event. My friends at 22Bet are ready to make your IPL experience even more fascinating. 22Bet India guarantees the best odds,” McCullum was seen encouraging betting in an advert posted on Facebook.

New Zealand's Problem Gambling Foundation filed an official complaint to the country's Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) over the misleading adverts. The DIA confirmed that 22Bet's adverts are deceptive as ‘they are not a registered New Zealand sports bookmaker, nor are they licensed or regulated in New Zealand by the DIA’.

"Discussions have been ongoing with Brendon over the last few days, and the matter has been considered from an employer and regulator perspective. We can confirm that no further action will be taken,” the ECB confirmed and was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

McCullum was appointed as the head coach in May 2022. Along with skipper Ben Stokes, the Three Lions have won ten of their 12 Test matches and have produced some scintillating cricket under McCullum’s management. 

The head coach, who is presently in New Zealand, is yet to return to the UK and is likely to be back prior to a one-off Test against Ireland. The Three Lions will play their first Test of the summer against Ireland at Lord's, which starts from June 1. Following the conclusion of the match, England will gear up for the highly-anticipated Ashes series against arch-rivals Australia starting on Friday, June 16.