'Why Cricket Australia hasn't said anything publicly?' - Ashleigh Gardner's ex-wife tells Cricket Australia to act over Gardner controversy

Monica Wright, the estranged wife of Australia women's vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner, has publicly criticised Cricket Australia for its handling of allegations surrounding the all-rounder's personal life and called for Gardner to be stripped of her leadership role.

Wright had initially raised the matter in July after a Daily Mail article appeared online. She posted the report to her Instagram story, describing it as too vague, and then followed up with a photograph of fellow Australian cricketer Georgia Voll, alleging that Voll was the person involved in the situation with Gardner.

"I think if you’re privileged enough to represent your country and be seen as a role model, there’s a responsibility to hold yourself to a high moral standard," Wright told Code Sports.

She went further in her criticism, stating:

"What I can't understand is why Cricket Australia hasn't said anything publicly. Does their silence mean they support the actions of Ashleigh and Georgia? You can't have an affair with a junior member of staff, especially when there's a clear power imbalance, and then remain in a position of leadership. Captains are expected to set the standard, and that kind of conduct falls well short of it."

What has Cricket Australia said about the allegations?

Cricket Australia responded to Wright's comments to Code Sports by characterising the matter as private and personal, without issuing any public disciplinary statement regarding Gardner or Voll.

In its official statement, the governing body cited its existing workplace framework.

"Cricket Australia ensures all relationships within our workforce comply with our Respect at Work policy. This includes putting appropriate conflict-of-interest management arrangements in place to support leadership responsibilities and maintain the integrity of team processes," CA said.

The statement did not address Wright's specific demand that Gardner be removed from the vice-captaincy, nor did it indicate whether any formal review had been initiated.

What is the background to the Gardner situation?

Gardner and Wright got married in April 2025. But soon after the marriage, tensions between the couple emerged during the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India, where Wright made the trip to see Gardner. An unnamed source described that meeting as awkward. The pair have since separated, with Gardner reported to have moved out of their Sydney home.

Gardner has continued to receive support within the cricket community. Her Women's Big Bash League franchise, the Sydney Sixers, publicly backed her during the controversy. She also remains a central figure in the Australian setup and was part of the squad that secured Australia's seventh Women's T20 World Cup title in eight final appearances.