A prominent individual in English cricket is under police investigation after two women said their drinks were spiked in a south-west London pub, with one of them also alleging sexual assault.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed to ESPNcricinfo: “We are currently investigating allegations of spiking and sexual assault against two women that took place on Thursday, 22 May at a pub in the SW6 area. Two women are believed to have been spiked with one also allegedly sexually assaulted. A man in his 40s was interviewed under caution on Thursday, 5 June. Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.”
The incident is understood to have happened in the Fulham-Parsons Green neighbourhood. Scotland Yard spoke to the man, described by sources as well known in the domestic game, early in the summer. No further details about his role or current employment have been made public.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it would not comment while the police work continues. That stance is standard practice, though some within the sport believe clearer protocols around public statements could help rebuild trust following a series of recent disciplinary cases.
Oversight of such matters now largely sits with the Cricket Regulator, set up last year to run independent investigations and hearings. Its managing director, Chris Haward, told reporters in August: “Removing sexual misconduct from the game is a priority.”
Since its launch, the body has charged two coaches over unrelated incidents. One coach received a suspension of up to nine months after sending “sexualised and inappropriate” images to junior female staff. Another was barred for six months for “inappropriate sexual behaviour” during a county pre-season tour. Those cases, while separate, provide context for how the sport is trying to tackle off-field conduct.
People close to the current police inquiry stress the importance of letting due process play out. The alleged victims are receiving specialist support, and the pub’s CCTV footage is thought to form part of the evidence being reviewed.
For now, the cricket figure remains free to work, but that could change quickly should formal charges follow. The game, already juggling issues ranging from over-rates to financial sustainability, must again confront uncomfortable questions about duty of care, behaviour standards and transparency.
Further updates are expected once the police conclude their enquiries, though no timeline has been given.
