Sanctions decision - Ben Silver

The independent Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP) has issued its sanctions decision in relation to Ben Silver who was working as a High-Performance Coach for Yorkshire County Cricket Club at the time of the events between August and October 2024. Mr Silver was charged with two breaches of paragraph 3.2 of the Professional Conduct Regulations for conduct that was improper, prejudicial to the interests of cricket and brought the game into disrepute.

Mr Silver faced two charges, the first charge related to an inappropriate sexual advance to a female colleague and the second concerned an offensive and improper ‘game’ relating to female colleague’s appearances.

Mr Silver was charged by the Cricket Regulator and accepted both charges. Richard Whittam KC acted as sole adjudicator on the matter and imposed the following sanction:

1. A reprimand;
2. Completion of an education/training programme that addresses professional boundaries in the workplace;
3. A £500 fine to be suspended for a period of 12 months.

In his decision Mr Whittam KC states “The conduct admitted by the Respondent has no place in modern society and no place in the cricket environment. Women who participate in cricket in any way must be able to do so in a safe and inclusive environment.”

Managing Director of The Cricket Regulator Chris Haward said: “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. 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.”

Anyone who has experienced any type of discriminatory or misogynistic behaviours in cricket can contact the Cricket Regulator via integrity@cricketregulator.co.uk or safeguarding@cricketregulator.co.uk.

The full decision can be read on the Cricket Regulator website.