Richard Whittam KC Appointed as Chair of Cricket Discipline Panel

Richard Whittam KC has been named chair of the newly established Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP), an independent body set to handle regulatory breaches and impose sanctions within English professional cricket. This tribunal replaces the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) as part of the ECB’s efforts to ensure fair governance in the sport.

A Legal and Sports Expert Takes Charge

Whittam, a 64-year-old barrister specialising in regulatory and criminal law, was appointed by the ECB board following an open recruitment process. His four-year term brings extensive experience in sports governance. Having previously served as a deputy high court judge from 2016 to 2022, Whittam currently oversees the Rugby Football Union's Independent Judiciary and has been involved in rugby union’s disciplinary panels since 2014. He is also part of the judicial panels for World Rugby and European Professional Club Rugby.

Responsibilities and Vision for the CDP

As chair of the CDP, Whittam will lead disciplinary cases and oversee the selection of panel members with diverse skills and expertise. This newly formed body will begin its work after taking over from the CDC, previously chaired by Tim O'Gorman. The CDP will address cases brought forward by the Cricket Regulator, a body established in 2023 to enforce compliance with the ECB’s regulations. 

The panel’s jurisdiction extends beyond Professional Conduct Regulations to include matters such as the Anti-Corruption Code, Player and Match Officials’ Minimum Standards, Pitch Regulations, Bowling Reviews, and Head Protector Regulations.

Reform Driven by Equity Concerns

The creation of the Cricket Regulator and the CDP stems from recommendations in a 2023 report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC). This report highlighted systemic inequalities related to race, gender, and class within English cricket, prompting structural changes to enhance fairness and accountability.

Statements on the Appointment

Whittam expressed enthusiasm for his new role, highlighting the importance of maintaining cricket’s integrity. He stated that the CDP’s primary goal is to ensure that cases are handled promptly, fairly, and transparently.

ECB chair Richard Thompson praised Whittam’s legal expertise and sports governance experience, calling him the ideal candidate to lead the CDP. Thompson also thanked Tim O’Gorman and the outgoing CDC members for their years of service in upholding the sport’s regulations.

A New Era for Cricket Governance

With Whittam at the helm, the CDP marks a significant step toward reinforcing accountability and integrity in English cricket. By addressing breaches comprehensively and fairly, the panel aims to uphold the sport’s standards while fostering trust among players and stakeholders alike.