The ECB has offered a formal apology after an independent review criticised historic safeguarding failings linked to former coach Michael Strange. While the board stresses its procedures have “developed significantly” over the past two decades, it accepts that earlier protections were not strong enough.
Strange, now 65, is serving a long prison sentence for 34 sexual offences committed against ten boys between 1993 and 2004. Allegations first surfaced in 2005, prompting the ECB to suspend him from all cricket activity. A permanent ban followed in April 2006, and he was jailed in 2012.
The 47-page report, commissioned by the Cricket Regulator, describes Strange as “definitively, a sexual predator”, calling him “a compelling, charismatic and persuasive orator”. His reputation as a county-level coach helped him gain the trust of parents and young players who hoped he could advance their cricketing dreams.
Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, issued a direct apology. “Everyone should be able to take part in cricket safely, and our first thoughts today are with the people who were harmed by Michael Strange. We are sorry this happened to you within our sport,” he said.
Gould added that the game has moved on since Strange’s suspension. “It is more than 20 years since Strange was suspended from cricket and while the review recognises that safeguarding understanding, policies and practices have developed significantly since then – within cricket and across society more widely – we will never be complacent. This review highlights the importance of everyone being able to recognise concerning behaviour, and to act upon it.”
He also noted ongoing efforts to improve. “We are constantly developing and strengthening our safeguarding work as well as the education we deliver across the game, and the review’s findings and recommendations will inform our continuing work. By learning from this appalling case, we can keep people safer today.”
Chris Haward, Director of the Cricket Regulator, echoed those sentiments. “Michael Strange was a prolific offender, and the impact of his crimes on those he harmed cannot be underestimated. I am grateful to all those who contributed to this important review and for the recommendations made in the report,” he said.
Haward underlined the regulator’s priorities. “One of our key responsibilities for the Cricket Regulator is to protect participants from harm, and our safeguarding work lies at the very heart of our strategy. The findings and recommendations from this review will continue to shape our ongoing work to keep people safe.”
The Strange case has drawn comparisons with disgraced football scout Barry Bennell, who manipulated youngsters pursuing professional careers. Both men used their authority in youth sport to commit offences over many years.
Key recommendations from the review include refreshed education for coaches, tighter vetting processes and clearer reporting channels for parents and players. The ECB has accepted all proposals in principle and says implementation is already under way.
For many survivors, today’s apology is a start rather than an endpoint. The board’s challenge is to turn words into robust, everyday protections—so that future generations can focus solely on batting, bowling and enjoying the game.
