The first annual assurance report into the Cricket Regulator’s use of investigatory and disciplinary powers has been published today.
The Cricket Regulator was launched in December 2023 to monitor compliance with the game’s regulations, enforce adherence to those regulations and provide relevant information and education.
It is ring-fenced from the rest of the ECB, in order to bring further independence to the regulatory processes within cricket. To assure there is no interference from the ECB, an annual assurance process was established, with the first report by independent experts Sport Resolutions published today.
The Executive Summary states: “The Cricket Regulator has acted in a transparent and open manner in assisting this review and has fully explained the challenges and opportunities presented in the first year of operations.
“There is no evidence that the ECB has sought to, or actually exerted, influence or interference with the Cricket Regulator’s investigation, charging and/or disciplinary powers and rather the independent regulator has established the necessary standard operating procedures and control mechanisms to best ringfence and protect its independence. The team are professional focused on their unique governance and regulatory role and demonstrate strong behaviours in preserving that independence.
“The Cricket Regulator is required to collaborate with the ECB in progressing the evolution of the Regulator role beyond its first year. The parties continue to discuss expanding the jurisdiction of the Regulator and this recognises the highly specialised skillset at the Cricket Regulator and their successes to date.”
The Cricket Regulator is overseen by an independent Cricket Regulatory Board. Areas of work that had previously been in the ECB’s remit now sit with the Cricket Regulator, including Safeguarding, Integrity (Anti-Corruption, Misconduct, Anti-Doping) and Anti-Discrimination.
Chris Haward, Director of the Cricket Regulator, said: “It is important for people to know that the Cricket Regulator is there to help and protect them from harm. If anyone needs to raise an issue of concern whether about integrity, discrimination, safeguarding or corruption they must be able to do this knowing they will be supported and, where appropriate, a thorough and independent investigation will be conducted. This report confirms this is what is happening.
“While we will continue to investigate and make decisions on charging and disciplinary powers independently, it is important that we continue to work closely with the ECB and the cricket network to carry out our proactive educational work in important areas such as anti-discrimination, safeguarding and anti-corruption.
“Cricket must be a safe and welcoming space for everyone involved in the game. By educating those involved in cricket about the standards and conduct expected of them, our aim is to help prevent issues arising in the first place. But where those standards are not met we will not hesitate to hold those responsible to account.”
Read the full report here.