Middlesex County Cricket Club is facing fresh turmoil as its chief executive, Andrew Cornish, has taken a sudden leave of absence following a serious complaint from a staff member.
The club has referred the allegation to the Cricket Regulator, which has now launched a formal investigation into the matter. Cornish stepped away from his role approximately ten days before the news became public.
Investigation and Denial
Andrew Cornish is understood to firmly deny any allegations of misconduct. When contacted, he stated he was unaware of the specific details of the complaints against him. He has informed colleagues that his absence is for personal reasons.
The club's board was expected to formally inform staff about the situation. Both Middlesex CCC and the Cricket Regulator have declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
Critical Timing for Club's Future
This investigation emerges at a profoundly challenging moment for the historic club. Middlesex are scheduled to meet with their members at Lord's to discuss the club's future direction, including potential private ownership.
As revealed previously, the club has received offers from two international investment groups for a funding deal that would enable it to build a permanent home away from Lord's. Cornish had been leading this critical investment process, and his absence means club chairman Richard Sykes will now present these vital plans to members.
Regulator's Role and Club's Recent History
The Cricket Regulator is an independent disciplinary body established by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2022. Its creation followed criticism of the ECB's governance after the Azeem Rafiq racism case at Yorkshire.
This is not the first time Middlesex has faced scrutiny from the regulator. In September 2023, the club was fined £50,000 and given a suspended points deduction for misusing grassroots funding on its first team.
Furthermore, in June 2024, the club was charged following complaints about a senior staff member's behaviour, though it was cleared of improper conduct in November 2024. That earlier case is understood not to have involved Cornish.
Cornish was appointed as Middlesex chief executive four years ago, having initially joined as a consultant in September 2020. His previous role was as chief executive at Somerset, a position from which he was dismissed in 2019 amid concerns over the club's financial performance.
