ECB CEO Tom Harrisongetty images
The England & Wales Cricket Board "reassured its sponsors" it has control over player behavior after two high-profile court cases, according to Nick Hoult of the London TELEGRAPH. ECB CEO Tom Harrison "warned teams they have to stay on top of dressing room culture" and said that the board will be "redoubling efforts" before the start of next summer to ensure players know exactly the standard of behavior expected "as the game looks to launch its Hundred ball competition aimed at family audiences." Harrison: "The reason why commercial partners get involved is because the culture beneath our game is something that attracts people, what cricket means beyond the performance of the England teams is this underlying sense of decency and team spirit. The spirit associated with the game is hugely important so we take it incredibly seriously. We work very closely with partners on all matters, not just matters of culture but clearly there is a concern out there with commercial partners about some of the stories." The Professional Cricketers' Association "has already rolled out a sexual consent workshop" with the Lions and England U19 players. Harrison said, "It is our responsibility as a governing body to get on the front foot with addressing these issues whether they are about problem gambling, drink, consent or recreational drug use" (TELEGRAPH, 1/14).
