Top English cricket figure probed over alleged spiking and sexual assault at London pub
Metropolitan Police say two women were believed to have been spiked and one sexually assaulted; enquiries ongoing after a man in his 40s was interviewed under caution
A prominent figure in English cricket is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police over allegations that two women were spiked and one was sexually assaulted at a London pub, British media reported.
According to reports, the incidents occurred on May 22 in the SW6 area of west London, which covers Fulham and Parsons Green. The Metropolitan Police said a man in his 40s was interviewed under caution on June 5. "Two women are believed to have been spiked with one also allegedly sexually assaulted," the force said in a statement. "Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage." The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it was aware of the allegations but declined to comment.
The individual being investigated has not been publicly identified. News organisations described him as a well-known figure within English cricket. The Cricket Discipline Panel (CDC) and other regulatory bodies have in recent months taken action against coaching staff for separate incidents of sexualised behaviour and misconduct.
In August, the CDC suspended a county coach for nine months after finding that he had engaged in inappropriate and sexualised messaging to more junior female members of staff at a county cricket club. The CDC's published decision said the coach had sent images of his erect penis and, on one occasion, had attempted to kiss a more junior member of staff. In November, a different professional coach received a six-month suspension for "inappropriate sexual behaviour," the CDC said. Chris Haward, managing director of the Cricket Regulator, has said removing sexual misconduct from the game is a priority for the regulator.
Officials have not linked the current police inquiry to the CDC cases, and the disciplinary panel's published sanctions relate to separate investigations and internal disciplinary procedures. The police statement did not identify the venue or provide further details of the alleged incidents beyond the dates and the fact that enquiries are continuing.
Media reports prompted renewed scrutiny of safeguarding and conduct policies across the sport, which has faced several high-profile disciplinary actions this year. The ECB and the Cricket Regulator have previously said they are working to strengthen safeguarding, reporting and disciplinary procedures, while also maintaining confidentiality in ongoing investigations.
The Metropolitan Police did not provide a timeline for the next steps in its investigation. No arrests have been made and the man interviewed remains not charged. The cricket authorities involved have not released further statements beyond acknowledging awareness of the matter.