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Hampshire bowler receives a suspended ban following ECB investigation
Chris Wood has received a two-month suspended ban following an investigation by the ECB’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
Chris admitted to charges relating to a total of nine bets that he placed on cricket matches in 2011 (two bets) and 2016 (seven bets). These actions breached Article 2.2.1 of the relevant ECB Anti-Corruption Codes that were in place at the time.
When contacted by the ACU, Chris immediately accepted responsibility for his betting activity and fully co-operated with the investigation.
Under Article 5.1.12 of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code for Participants, the ECB and Wood reached the agreed sanction, which was then ratified by the Chair of the independent Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC), Tim O’Gorman. The two-month period of ineligibility is suspended for two years.
I want to apologise for the mistakes I made in 2011 and 2016, it is something I deeply regret. While I played no part in any of the games that I placed bets on, I totally understand the rules that I am not permitted to bet on cricket, under any circumstance.
The code of conduct is very clear and the education provided from the PCA and ECB does a great job in protecting the integrity of the game.
My gambling addiction had complete control over my life to the extent I would do something I never thought I would in placing a bet on a game of cricket. I had no regard to the consequences of my actions. I want to add I had no direct involvement in any game or did I try and influence the outcome of any match.
Over the past two years through the support of the PCA, Professional Cricketers’ Trust and Sporting Chance I have turned my life around and I have not gambled for over two years. I revealed this disease I am battling earlier this year with the aim to help others, not just in cricket but in any sport or walk of life and I hope my journey can help others reach out for support.
I recently started working with EPIC Risk Management which is the next stage of my recovery to provide a real life example to young people on the dangers of gambling and I hope this is something that will make a difference so people do not face the same challenges I have done earlier in my life.
Chris Wood
The agreed sanction took into account several mitigating factors. The investigation found that the bets placed by Wood did not affect (or have the potential to affect) the result of the relevant matches and that he did not play in the relevant matches. At the time of the offences Wood was suffering from a gambling disorder; he has since sought help and has spoken publicly about the issues he has faced and is providing advice and assistance to others experiencing problems with or addiction to gambling, both inside and outside of sport.
Hampshire Cricket is keenly aware of the importance of mental health and well-being and has been aware of Chris Wood’s previous struggles with gambling addiction for some time. As part of his rehabilitation, and with the full support of the Club, Chris both confronted his disorder and announced his story in public earlier this year, with the aim of helping others in a similar position to confront the disorder. Since that time, he has been working diligently with others afflicted by this debilitating condition to seek help in an effort to take back control of their lives.
During the summer, we were informed of an investigation by the ECB Anti-Corruption Unit into bets placed on cricket matches by Chris in 2011 and 2016. Having considered the nature of the offences, which occurred during a period when Chris was suffering from a clinical disorder and which did not affect the result of any matches, and taking into consideration the subsequent actions of the player, the Club is satisfied with the outcome of the investigation and will continue to support Chris with his efforts to help others who are suffering from similar conditions.
We sincerely hope that his rehabilitation will inspire other sufferers and encourage them to come forward and seek help.
