Richard Whittam KC has been appointed as the chair of the newly established Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP), marking a significant shift in the governance of English professional cricket. This independent tribunal will take over responsibilities from the Cricket Discipline Commission, positioning itself as the authoritative body to adjudicate regulatory breaches and determine appropriate sanctions within the sport.
Whittam’s appointment follows a rigorous open recruitment process initiated by the ECB board, culminating in a four-year term for the 64-year-old barrister. Renowned for his expertise in regulatory law and criminal proceedings, Whittam brings a wealth of experience derived from his extensive background in sports law.
Having served as a deputy high court judge from 2016 to 2022, Whittam transitioned to become the Rugby Football Union’s Head of Independent Judiciary in 2022. His credentials include chairing discipline, safeguarding, and appeal panels in rugby union since 2014, further solidifying his reputation. In addition, Whittam is an esteemed member of both the World Rugby and European Professional Club Rugby Judicial Panels, showcasing his diverse legal prowess.
As the chair of the CDP, Whittam will oversee specific disciplinary cases and will also be responsible for appointing panel members who possess a varied skill set and ensure representation across a spectrum of backgrounds. Once the new members are selected, the panel will promptly commence its work, thereby taking over this essential function from the existing CDC, which has been chaired by Tim O’Gorman.
The CDP’s mission will include the examination of cases presented by the recently formed Cricket Regulator. This organization is tasked with overseeing compliance and ensuring adherence to the sport’s regulations on behalf of the ECB. The formation of the Cricket Regulator in 2023 was one of the key recommendations stemming from a scathing report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), which highlighted alarming structural inequalities regarding race, gender, and class within cricket in England and Wales.
The majority of the cases submitted to the CDP will pertain to violations of the ECB’s Professional Conduct Regulations, although the scope will also encompass other vital regulations such as the Anti-Corruption code, Player and Match Officials’ Minimum Standards, Cricket Playing Conditions, Bowling Review Regulations, Pitch Regulations, and Head Protector Regulations.
In reaction to his recent appointment, Whittam expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “I am delighted to be appointed to this important role. It is vital to the integrity of cricket that the sport’s rules and regulations are upheld. As the first Chair of the CDP, I look forward to getting the Panel up and running and ensuring that cases are dealt with promptly, in a fair, thorough, and transparent manner.”
ECB chair Richard Thompson emphasized the significance of the independent Cricket Discipline Panel in maintaining the regulations and addressing any misconduct or regulatory violations. He remarked, “Richard Whittam KC has an impressive background in law and sports discipline, which makes him the ideal person to chair the Panel.”
“I’d like to pass on my sincere thanks to Tim O’Gorman and all the panel members from the Cricket Discipline Commission for the exceptional service they have rendered to the game over many years. Their contributions have been pivotal in enforcing cricket’s regulations, and I am grateful for their ongoing involvement while we recruit the new CDP members.”
**Interview with Richard Whittam KC, Chair of the Cricket Discipline Panel**
**Editor:** Welcome, Richard. Congratulations on your appointment as the chair of the newly established Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP). Can you share with us what this new role means for the governance of English cricket?
**Richard Whittam:** Thank you! I’m thrilled to take on this responsibility. The establishment of the CDP marks a pivotal moment in the governance of English professional cricket. Our mandate is to operate independently to adjudicate regulatory breaches within the sport, ensuring fairness and integrity in how we handle disciplinary matters. This independence is crucial for maintaining the trust of players, clubs, and fans alike.
**Editor:** The CDP will be taking over from the Cricket Discipline Commission. What changes can we expect from this transition?
**Richard Whittam:** The transition to the CDP is about improving processes and enhancing our approach to discipline in cricket. One key difference is our commitment to appointing panel members with diverse backgrounds and skills, which will allow us to take a more nuanced approach to each case. We’re also focused on transparency and clarity in our decision-making, so stakeholders know what to expect from us.
**Editor:** You have a rich background in sports law, including your recent role with the Rugby Football Union. How do you plan to apply your experience in this role?
**Richard Whittam:** My experience allows me to bring a wealth of knowledge in regulatory law and the adjudication process to the CDP. I’ve chaired various disciplinary and safeguarding panels, which means I’m familiar with the complexities of such cases. I intend to foster a culture of thoroughness, fairness, and efficiency within the panel, ensuring we uphold the highest standards.
**Editor:** Can you elaborate on the role of the new Cricket Regulator and how it interacts with the CDP?
**Richard Whittam:** The Cricket Regulator plays a vital role in overseeing compliance and ensuring that players and clubs adhere to the sport’s regulations. They will present cases to us at the CDP, and our job will be to assess these cases and impose appropriate sanctions when necessary. This collaboration is essential to maintain the integrity of the sport and ensure that it is governed effectively.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you see as the greatest challenge facing the CDP in its initial stages?
**Richard Whittam:** One of our biggest challenges will be to quickly establish our authority and credibility. We need to ensure that stakeholders — from players to fans — understand our role and are confident in our ability to carry it out effectively. Balancing the urgency of cases while maintaining a thorough and fair process will also be key to our success.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Richard. We wish you the best of luck in your new role with the Cricket Discipline Panel!
**Richard Whittam:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and look forward to the important work ahead.
