Cricket Horror: Former Coach Michael Strange Demands Sheldon-Style Abuse Probe
Abuse Victim Slams ECB for Lack of Support
A former junior cricket player, known only as ‘David’ for legal reasons, has blasted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for failing to back him after abuse by ex-Durham coach Michael Strange. The 62-year-old Strange, once a trusted scout and coach, preyed on young players at a local club, leaving a trail of trauma over decades.
Michael Strange’s Shocking Record of Abuse
- 2012: Jailed for six years for abusing three boys dating back to the 1990s
- 2015: Pleaded guilty to indecent assault on David; jailed for three years in 2016
- 2020: Sentenced to four and a half years for indecent assault on another boy
- 2024: Received an additional 40-month sentence for two more indecent assaults
Despite these convictions, Strange’s full impact remains under the radar. David believes more clubs nationwide harbor abusers like Strange lurking unchecked.
Calls for a Sheldon-Style Inquiry in Cricket
David wants cricket to follow football’s lead with a full-scale independent investigation similar to the FA’s Sheldon Report. That review, published in 2021, exposed appalling institutional failures and shameful ignorance allowing predators like Barry Bennell and Bob Higgins to run riot.
“I think it would be beneficial to hold a Sheldon-style review,” David said. “The publicity might encourage others to come forward. Doing nothing at all isn’t an option.”
Unlike the FA, the ECB refused an independent inquiry in 2017, opting for a limited internal review instead. There has been no standalone investigation specifically into Strange’s offences.
ECB Responds but Questions Remain
Durham County Cricket Club was approached for comment. The ECB confirmed Strange was banned from all cricket activity in 2006. However, it claims not to hold details on offences uncovered by police after that date.
An ECB spokesman said:
“We are deeply disturbed by the abuse ‘David’ suffered and the impact it has had. Nobody should ever go through what he went through. We’re working with authorities to build a detailed timeline, where possible. Safety is a top priority at all levels of cricket.”
The ECB highlighted its safeguarding team, ongoing safety measures, and its commitment to publishing a new safeguarding strategy soon, which will include recommendations from the Sheldon Report – many of which were already underway before its release.
How to Get Help
Anyone worried about abuse should contact their club or county safeguarding officer, the ECB Safeguarding Team, or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.
