Essex County Cricket Club chairman resigns after tribunal finds he fabricated Oxford study claim
Anu Mohindru steps down after Bar tribunal and Bar Standards Board conclude he exaggerated academic credentials; interim chair appointed
The chairman of Essex County Cricket Club, Anu Mohindru, has resigned after a Bar tribunal found he fabricated parts of his curriculum vitae, including a claim that he studied at the University of Oxford.
The Chelmsford-based club confirmed Mohindru, a criminal lawyer who had been in post since 2023, stood down on Sunday. The club said the board thanked him for his "leadership and significant contribution" and appointed former England cricketer Jason Gallian as interim chair, with Vicky Ford named interim deputy chair.
Mohindru was disbarred by the Barristers' Tribunal Service after a five-day hearing in which it determined he had fabricated his CV while applying for a senior role. During the hearing he denied "knowingly" providing false information. The tribunal suspended him immediately pending any appeal and ordered him to pay £55,000 in costs.
Separately, the Bar Standards Board found that Mohindru had "deliberately exaggerated his academic achievements and qualifications in an attempt to improve his tenancy prospects" when he applied to 23 Essex Street Chambers between late 2012 and early 2013. One allegation said he falsely told an interviewer he had studied biomedical science at Oxford; the chambers found no record of a student by his name. A subsequent CV submitted by Mohindru said he had studied medicine at Oxford from 1993 to 1994. The Bar Standards Board ordered him to pay costs of £54,780.
Essex County Cricket Club said the board had been informed of Mohindru's decision to step down on Sunday. The club's statement did not provide details of any internal review or disciplinary proceedings beyond the appointment of interim leadership.
Mohindru's resignation removes the top lay official from the county at a time when cricket clubs increasingly emphasize governance, transparency and safeguarding their reputations. County chairs are typically responsible for oversight of club strategy, finances and relations with sponsors and governing bodies.
The disciplinary findings stem from professional misconduct proceedings rather than actions taken by the cricket club. The Barristers' Tribunal Service and the Bar Standards Board oversee conduct at the Bar and handle complaints and disciplinary matters involving barristers. Both bodies may publish decisions and impose sanctions, including suspension or disbarment and cost orders.
Mohindru had combined a legal career with involvement in cricket administration. The immediate appointment of an interim chair and deputy will leave the club able to continue governance and operational functions while it considers a permanent replacement and any further steps arising from the tribunal decision.
No further comment from Mohindru or his legal representatives was included in the club's statement. The club said its focus remained on its on-field programme and ongoing competitions as it implements the interim leadership changes.
The matter highlights the potential reputational consequences for sporting organisations when senior officials face professional disciplinary findings. Essex County Cricket Club will now move forward under interim leaders while the tribunal's decision and any possible appeal processes run their course.
