Grant Bradburn: Sacked Glamorgan coach fined for discriminatory language
In its written reasons for the sanction, the CDC said: “It was alleged that, on a number of occasions (including during the pre-season of 2024 in the changing room at Sophia Gardens) Mr Bradburn asked players of Asian background what their ‘real age’ is and responded to their answer by saying ‘is that your CricInfo age’ or ‘CricInfo’ or similar, implying that Asian players do not tell the truth about their age.
“At the preseason team meeting, Mr Bradburn allegedly made a comment that in Pakistan’s cricket selection decisions, they would choose their friends and cousins or pick their names from the hats.
“It is said that in field practice, Mr. Bradburn would use the phrase ‘This is not a Western Storm’ or similar words when he thinks male players are showing a lack of field strength or insufficient strength to throw, which shows that they are “throwing like girls.”
In his judgment, CDC judge Tim O’Gorman pointed out by mitigating the New Zealander that “there is no crime, never denies making these statements, cooperates fully with the investigation, and apologizes for any crime if any crime is taken.”
The verdict added: “Mr Bradburn said that despite his constant attempt to create an inclusive and supportive environment, he reflected specific allegations and quickly admitted that the language he used was inappropriate.”
However, the Commission found that these comments “biased the interests of cricket, set the game and Mr. Bradburn apart and undermined the strategic goal of the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Commission) to eliminate discrimination with the sport”.
Glamorgan CEO Dan Cherry welcomed the regulator’s decision: “We have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, so once we point out the problem, we act quickly to protect those affected and to show strong behavior towards bad behavior that does not reflect the value of the club.
“We have confidence that the systems and processes we have can identify bad behavior because the affected people feel able to stand up.”
The director of Chris Haward, cricket regulator, said: “It is unacceptable to normalize the position of cricket without discrimination against cricket and discriminatory language through this behavior. In determining these circumstances, this will be investigated and those responsible will be held responsible.
“The regulator would like to thank Glamorgan for his assistance on this issue and commend those who report such misconduct for their openness and courage.”
