In a deeply troubling revelation, a county cricket coach has been handed a nine-month suspension — with three months suspended — for serious misconduct, including sending explicit messages and making inappropriate advances toward junior female staff members. The disciplinary action, confirmed by the Cricket Regulator on Wednesday, follows a thorough investigation and a ruling by the independent Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP).

The case, which unfolded during the summer of 2023 through early 2024, sheds light on the persistent challenges facing workplace conduct in English county cricket. The Telegraph reported the details, highlighting that the coach — whose identity has been withheld due to health-related concerns and a risk of significant harm—was found guilty of sending sexually explicit images, including pictures of his genitals, and attempting to kiss a younger staff member during a work-related encounter.

The CDP stated: “Due to exceptional circumstances regarding the health of the coach and the serious risk of harm identified if his name were to be published, his identity has been redacted.” This decision reflects a broader trend of the CDP protecting individual identities when mental health and well-being are at stake.

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According to the panel’s judgment, the coach sent repeated explicit messages to two junior female staff members. One of the victims was significantly younger and in a much more junior professional role.

Despite receiving no response to an initial explicit image, the coach continued to send inappropriate content, escalating the situation. He later lured her into a changing room under the guise of inspecting for rubbish and attempted to kiss her, an advance she immediately rejected. The other victim, described as vulnerable and known to be so by the coach, was also subjected to sexualised messages and repeated harassment, despite asking him to stop.

County cricket coach banned for sending pictures of his genitals to female colleague. Details of this case against an unnamed county coach are very grim https://t.co/IkDl5NJeKn

— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) August 6, 2025

The CDP judgment was unambiguous in its condemnation of the coach’s actions, stating: “There was a clear imbalance in his favour given his senior employment position and age. The conduct admitted by the Respondent has no place in modern society and certainly no place in the cricket environment. Women participating in cricket must feel safe, supported, and respected.”

In addition to the ban, the coach has been ordered to undergo a mandatory educational course focused on professional conduct and safeguarding. He has already been dismissed from his position at the county cricket club and has not resumed any role in the sport. Reports confirm that he is currently receiving psychological support from the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA).

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This case comes on the heels of another disciplinary episode last year involving a different county coach who was also banned for similar misconduct, signalling a troubling pattern within parts of the county cricket system.

Chris Haward, Managing Director of the Cricket Regulator, reiterated that addressing sexual misconduct remains a top priority: “Creating a safe, inclusive, and professional environment for everyone involved in cricket is non-negotiable. We will continue to act decisively where necessary.”