The second annual independent assurance review of the Cricket Regulator’s use of investigatory and disciplinary powers has been published today, alongside the regulator’s Annual Report outlining key elements of its work from last year.
The annual assurance process, carried out by independent experts Sport Resolutions, was established to provide assurance to the game and beyond that there is no interference from the ECB in regulatory cases handled by the Cricket Regulator.
The Cricket Regulator monitors compliance with the game’s regulations, enforces adherence to those regulations and provides relevant information and education. It is ring-fenced from the rest of the ECB.
The Executive Summary of the assurance review states: “The Cricket Regulator team have been extremely helpful and co-operative in assisting this independent review and have provided comprehensive explanations of their evolving strategy. They have detailed many positive enhancements in their service delivery model.
“There is no evidence that the ECB has sought to or actually positively exerted influence or interference with the Cricket Regulator’s investigation, charging and/or disciplinary powers. The independent regulator is making strong progress in building a platform for robust governance and independent decision making. The publication of the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan reflects an evolution in the service offering and a strong compliance framework around independence.”
Today the Cricket Regulator is also publishing its Annual Report, detailing some of the work carried out across the organisation in 2025.
A total of 126 concerns or potential breaches of regulations were investigated across the professional game last year, with 49 allegations of discrimination investigated. Across the recreational game, 306 discrimination concerns were reported, along with 212 safeguarding concerns. These figures mark an increase from the previous year, which is attributed to the fact that awareness of the Regulator is growing and confidence in its reporting processes is strengthening, so that participants feel increasingly assured and empowered to raise concerns.
A wide range of education activity was also carried out across the professional and recreational games to raise standards and behaviours, increase understanding and prevent issues arising.
Developments in 2025 included establishing a Recreational Discipline Panel made up of legal professionals and those with lived experiences to hear matters from grassroots cricket which fell within the Cricket Regulator’s jurisdiction.
A Lived Experience Advisory Group has also been established to provide a dedicated forum for individuals to share their personal experiences of cricket, serving as a consultative body offering insight, challenge, and guidance to help inform education, proactive safeguarding work, case management processes, and the safe delivery of major cricket events.
Chris Haward, Managing Director of the Cricket Regulator, said: “The Cricket Regulator’s role is to provide reassurance that individuals within the game are protected and supported. Anyone with a concern — whether it relates to fairness, discrimination, safeguarding or corruption — should feel able to come forward with confidence, knowing their case will be taken seriously, handled with care, and, where appropriate, examined through a rigorous and impartial process. The independent audit shows that these principles are being put into practice.
“While our decisions around investigations, charges and disciplinary action will always remain independent, ongoing cooperation with the ECB and the wider cricketing community is essential. Together, we are committed to delivering preventative education across key areas, including inclusion, safeguarding and integrity in the game.
“Cricket should offer a positive, respectful and safe environment for all participants. By clearly setting expectations around conduct and behaviour, we aim to stop problems before they arise. Where those expectations are not met, however, we will act decisively to ensure individuals are held responsible.”
Nic Coward, Chair of the Cricket Regulatory Board, said: “We continue to see a rise in concerns across professional cricket, recreational cricket, safeguarding, and misconduct. This is both reassuring and concerning: reassuring because participants now feel confident to speak up and are better equipped to recognise problematic behaviours; concerning because every incident is one too many for those who experience them. The Cricket Regulator remains committed to upholding the standards and regulations set by and for the game with fairness, robustness, and integrity.
“Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue to build on the foundations established this year. We will continue to monitor and share emerging threats and risks to the game, ensuring we do our part in supporting the ECB and all across the game to make cricket the most inclusive team sport.”
You can read the full second annual independent assurance review here and the Annual Report here.