ECB Issues Apology Over Safeguarding Failures in Historic Sexual Abuse Case Involving Coach Michael Strange

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has formally apologised for past safeguarding failures following the release of a detailed case review into the crimes of former cricket coach Michael Strange, who was convicted of sexually abusing underage boys between 1993 and 2004.

Strange, now 65, is currently serving a prison sentence after being convicted in 2012 of 34 offences involving ten victims. The crimes, which spanned over a decade, exploited his position as a county-level coach and took place at a time when safeguarding policies across sports were less developed.

In response to the publication of a 47-page independent case review by the Cricket Regulator, the ECB acknowledged its historical shortcomings but stressed that significant progress has been made in safeguarding procedures over the past two decades.

“Everyone should be able to take part in cricket safely, and our first thoughts today are with the people who were harmed by Michael Strange,” said ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould. “We are sorry this happened to you within our sport.”

Strange was initially suspended from all cricket activity in 2005 after the first allegations surfaced and was permanently banned in April 2006.

The review describes Strange as “definitively, a sexual predator” and “a compelling, charismatic and persuasive orator” who used his influence within the game to gain the trust of both children and adults. His case bears similarities to that of disgraced football coach Barry Bennell, who died in 2023 while serving time for historic child sex offences.

Gould emphasised that although the crimes occurred over 20 years ago, the ECB is committed to ensuring the game is safe for all participants.

“While the review recognises that safeguarding understanding, policies, and practices have developed significantly since then — within cricket and across society more widely — we will never be complacent,” he added. “By learning from this appalling case, we can keep people safer today.”

Chris Haward, Director of the Cricket Regulator, said the review was vital in recognising the scale of Strange’s abuse and the impact on his victims.

“Michael Strange was a prolific offender, and the impact of his crimes on those he harmed cannot be underestimated,” said Haward. “The findings and recommendations from this review will continue to shape our ongoing work to keep people safe.”

The ECB said it would continue to strengthen its safeguarding frameworks and training across all levels of the game and take forward the recommendations from the review as part of its long-term commitment to child protection and player welfare.