Glamorgan Coach Grant Bradburn Sanctioned for Discriminatory Conduct 🏏

Former Glamorgan head coach Grant Bradburn has been formally reprimanded and handed a suspended £500 fine by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) following an admission of discriminatory conduct encompassing racist and sexist connotations during his tenure. This follows his dismissal from Glamorgan in December, triggered by allegations of inappropriate behavior and a subsequent internal investigation.

Background and Investigation

Bradburn, 58, was relieved of his duties less than a year into a three-year contract. The Cricket Regulator, responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing regulations within the sport, initiated an investigation following the allegations. The investigation included witness statements from players and an interview with Bradburn himself. The CDC found evidence to uphold three specific allegations that constituted the charge against him.

Specific Allegations and Findings

The investigation revealed several instances of concerning behavior:

• Age-Related Comments: On multiple occasions, including during pre-season training at Sophia Gardens in 2024, Bradburn reportedly inquired about the “real age” of players of Asian background, often following up with comments about “Cricinfo age.” This was perceived as suggesting that Asian players were falsifying their ages.
• Selection Practices in Pakistan: Bradburn allegedly made remarks suggesting that selection decisions in Pakistan were based on favoritism, implying that selections were influenced by personal relationships or random draws. This comment was particularly sensitive given Bradburn’s previous involvement with Pakistani cricket.
• “Western Storm” Remark: During fielding practice, Bradburn reportedly used the phrase “this isn't Western Storm” or similar, suggesting that male players were “throwing like girls.” This comment originated as a private joke with another coach but was subsequently adopted by players, which the Regulator deemed an aggravating factor given Bradburn’s leadership role.

Sanction and Response

Bradburn admitted the charge of bringing the game into disrepute, a breach of Regulation 3.3 of the Professional Conduct Regulations 2024. The CDC, acknowledging Bradburn’s cooperation with the investigation, his lack of denial of the statements, and his apology, issued a reprimand, a caution regarding future conduct, a requirement to attend a discrimination and EDI course, and a suspended £500 fine.

Director of The Cricket Regulator Chris Haward emphasized that “there is no place for discrimination in cricket” and that normalizing discriminatory language is unacceptable. Glamorgan’s chief executive officer, Dan Cherry, affirmed the club’s zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behavior and praised the courage of those who reported the misconduct.

Impact and Future Steps

This case highlights the Cricket Regulator’s commitment to removing discrimination from the game and encouraging individuals to come forward with concerns. The Regulator acknowledges the bravery required to report such incidents and pledges to investigate allegations thoroughly and expeditiously. 👏

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC)? The CDC is an independent body responsible for investigating and adjudicating disciplinary matters within cricket.
• What is “Cricinfo age”? Cricinfo age refers to the age listed on the Cricinfo website, a popular resource for cricket statistics and information.
• What does EDI stand for? EDI stands for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Why was the “Western Storm” comment considered an aggravating factor? While originating as a private joke, its adoption by players under Bradburn’s leadership demonstrated a failure to foster an inclusive team environment.