ECB to take no further action regarding Brendon McCullum's betting adverts

McCullum joined betting company 22Bet as an ambassador in January and featured in online advertisements promoting their markets on the IPL

The ECB will take no further action regarding Brendon McCullum's relationship with betting company 22Bet.

The England Test head coach joined the company as an ambassador in January and featured in online advertisements promoting their markets on the Indian Premier League. He posted the video on his Facebook page at the end of March.

In the video, McCullum said: "The IPL is coming and I think all cricket fans are excited for this big event. My friends at 22Bet are ready to make your IPL experience even more fascinating. 22Bet India guarantees the best odds."

The ECB anti-corruption code prohibits players, coaches and officials from "directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging, facilitating or authorising any other party to enter into a bet in relation to the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any match or competition".

Such offences carry a minimum one-year suspension.

^{Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have overseen a transformation of the Test side's fortunes [Matthew Lewis/Getty Images]}

However, in a statement on April 19, an ECB spokesperson said: "Discussions have been ongoing with Brendon over the last few days, and the matter has been considered from an employer and regular perspective.

"We can confirm that no further action will be taken."

This is because the anti-corruption code does not prevent players or coaches from acting as brand ambassadors.

McCullum was appointed head coach of the Test side in May 2022 and has overseen 10 wins in 12 matches during his first year at the helm.

His side are next in action in a four-day Test against Ireland at Lord's from June 1 while the five-match Ashes series is scheduled to begin on June 16.

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