A former member of Yorkshire’s coaching staff, Ben Silver, has been formally reprimanded after an investigation found he behaved improperly towards two female colleagues during the 2024 season. Silver, who was working as a High-Performance coach at the time, admitted both charges brought by the Cricket Regulator and now faces an education programme aimed at improving workplace behaviour. He also received a £500 fine, suspended for 12 months.
The independent Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP) ruled that Silver breached paragraph 3.2 of the Professional Conduct Regulations on two separate occasions between August and October last year. One incident involved what the panel described as an inappropriate sexual advance towards a female staff member; the other centred on an “offensive and improper” game that made colleagues’ appearances the subject of discussion.
In his written decision, adjudicator Richard Whittam KC didn’t hold back. “The conduct admitted by the Respondent has no place in modern society and no place in the cricket environment,” Whittam said. “Women who participate in cricket in any way must be able to do so in a safe and inclusive environment.”
Yorkshire CCC cooperated fully with the investigation, according to the regulator. Chris Haward, Managing Director of The Cricket Regulator, thanked the club and praised those who spoke up. “I would like to thank Yorkshire CCC for their co-operation in this matter. Women working within cricket have the right to attend their place of work without the concern that they will be subjected to inappropriate and improper sexualised behaviours,” Haward noted.
He added that the regulator would remain vigilant. “The Cricket Regulator will not hesitate in acting against such behaviour in order to stamp this out and ensure cricket remains an inclusive environment for all. As the women’s game continues to grow it is incumbent on everyone in the game to call out, and hold to account, those to step over the boundary. I commend the courage of the witnesses who stepped forward to do just that in this case.”
While Silver is no longer employed by Yorkshire, the reprimand stays on his record. The mandatory training programme must be completed before he can take up another coaching position regulated by the ECB. The suspended fine will come into force if any further misconduct occurs within the next 12 months.
Those close to the case see the outcome as a reminder that professional cricket, like any workplace, has a duty of care to its staff. A Yorkshire spokesperson said the club “remains committed to providing a safe and respectful environment” and would continue to review its policies in line with the regulator’s guidance.
There has been no public comment from Silver himself.
