Brendon McCullum in hot water after ECB starts exploring his relationship with 22Bet India
The Kiwi cricketer promoted betting for IPL
New Zealand's former Test cricketer Brendon McCullum might be in trouble as England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is exploring his relationship with bookmaker 22Bet India.
McCullum, who signed a promotional deal with bookmaker 22Bet India, have come under scrutiny after New Zealand's Problem Gambling Foundation filed an official complaint to the country's Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). After reviewing the matter, DIA confirmed 22Bet's adverts are misleading because "they are not a registered New Zealand sports bookmaker, nor are they licensed or regulated in New Zealand by the DIA".
The Kiwi cricketer, who was appointed England's Test coach six months before his deal with the betting company, will have to answer about his social media posts related to betting side.
In this regard, ECB said: "We are currently exploring the matter, and [are] in discussions with Brendon around his relationship with the Cypriot-based betting company, 22Bet. We have rules in place around gambling, and will always seek to ensure these are followed."
The ECB's anti-corruption code states "participants" are prohibited from "directly or indirectly enticing, persuading, encouraging or facilitating any other party to enter into a bet in relation to the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any match or competition".
Under McCullum's coaching, England transformed their game in Test cricket. They put tradition style of playing behind and came up with aggressive brand of cricket in the longer format. The new style of play from England was given the name 'BazBall Formula'.
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