Kevin Pietersen’s latest commercial partnership has reportedly put him in a delicate position with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The former England batter announced his association with Dafabet, a Philippines-based online betting company, on Monday, raising questions about how the deal will fit with the ECB’s strict anti-gambling regulations while he works as a specialist mentor for England’s white-ball team.

According to The Guardian, Pietersen has informed the ECB that he will not promote Dafabet during his England commitments. The arrangement could limit his ability to fulfil the terms of his brand ambassador deal, considering he is contracted to work with Brendon McCullum’s white-ball side for approximately 150 days over the next 13 months, through to the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Although Pietersen will not travel to Pakistan for England’s upcoming 50-over tri-series involving Sri Lanka, he is expected to be involved in the team’s winter tours of Australia and South Africa. He will also work with the squad during domestic white-ball fixtures next summer as England prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

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The ECB’s anti-corruption regulations prohibit cricket participants from betting on matches or encouraging others to gamble. It remains to be seen whether the board will consider Pietersen’s reported decision not to promote Dafabet during his England duties sufficient to address the potential conflict.

The situation also brings back memories of the controversy surrounding McCullum’s association with Cyprus-based betting company 22Bet in 2023. The England head coach promoted the company’s Indian Premier League betting markets on Facebook and YouTube. The ECB subsequently concluded that McCullum had not breached its anti-corruption code, although he eventually ended the partnership.

The board has maintained a firm stance on gambling-related commercial arrangements in English cricket. It does not accept advertising revenue from betting companies and has also prohibited The Hundred franchises from entering into gambling sponsorship agreements from next year.

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The ECB’s regulations extend to players and other cricket participants. England fast bowler Brydon Carse received a 16-month ban, with 13 months suspended, after placing 303 bets between 2017 and 2019. With Pietersen’s mentoring role and commercial commitments now under scrutiny, the ECB’s handling of the situation will be closely watched.