Former cricket coach suspended for sending sexual images to female colleagues

A former county cricket coach has been suspended from the sport for nine months after admitting to serious charges of sexual misconduct. The decision was handed down by the independent Cricket Discipline Panel to address inappropriate behaviour within its ranks.

The suspension follows a series of incidents in the summers of 2023 and 2024, during which the unnamed coach sent unsolicited sexual images to two junior female colleagues. The coach admitted to five breaches of the sport’s professional conduct regulations. Notably, the disciplinary panel decided against naming the individual due to exceptional health-related reasons and concerns about a serious risk of harm if his identity were revealed.

The panel’s report revealed disturbing details about the coach’s conduct, including one incident where he attempted to kiss one of the complainants in a club dressing room. One of the women involved was significantly younger than the coach and held a junior position in comparison.

County coach apologises for his actions

As a direct consequence of his behaviour, the coach was removed from his role and has not been involved in cricket since. His nine-month ban includes six months that go back to the time the charges were served, along with three months suspended. Additionally, he is required to complete a mandatory education course.

In submissions to the panel, the coach apologised for his actions and said he had taken steps to understand the harm caused. According to the report, he worked with a former professional sportswoman and undertook an educational program to learn about workplace boundaries, social media misuse, and sexual harassment. He also spoke about the courage of the women who came forward. Meanwhile, Chris Haward, who is the managing director of the Cricket Regulator, condemned the behaviour.

"This kind of conduct is unacceptable. Where such instances are identified they will be investigated and those responsible will be held to account. Removing sexual misconduct from the game is a priority for the cricket regulator. We recognise that it takes a lot of courage for those impacted to come forward. We are committed to investigating thoroughly and expeditiously when allegations are raised with us, whether current or in the past," she said as quoted by BBC Sport.