Australia women’s vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner is facing fresh scrutiny after her estranged wife, Monica Wright, publicly questioned Cricket Australia’s decision not to take action over allegations concerning the cricketer’s personal life.
Wright has called for Gardner to be stripped of her leadership role, arguing that the allegations she previously made should have consequences for the Australia all-rounder’s position within the team.
“I think if you’re privileged enough to represent your country and be seen as a role model, there’s a responsibility to hold yourself to a high moral standard,” Wright told Code Sports.
“What I can’t understand is why Cricket Australia hasn’t said anything publicly. Does their silence mean they support the actions of Ashleigh and Georgia? You can’t have an affair with a junior member of staff, especially when there’s a clear power imbalance, and then remain in a position of leadership. Captains are expected to set the standard, and that kind of conduct falls well short of it,” she added.
The dispute centres on claims Wright made about Gardner and fellow Australian player Georgia Voll. Wright first brought the matter into the public domain in July after sharing a Daily Mail report on her Instagram story. At the time, she suggested that the report did not provide the complete picture and indicated that she would reveal her version of events.
She later posted a photograph of Voll and alleged that the cricketer was the person involved in Gardner’s alleged infidelity.
Wright has now stepped up her criticism of Cricket Australia after speaking to Code Sports, questioning why the governing body has not intervened.
HOW DID CRICKET AUSTRALIA RESPOND?
Cricket Australia, however, has maintained that it considers the matter to be personal and private.
“Cricket Australia ensures all relationships within our workforce comply with our Respect at Work policy. This includes putting appropriate conflict-of-interest management arrangements in place to support leadership responsibilities and maintain the integrity of team processes,” CA said in its statement.
Gardner and Wright got married in April 2025, but their relationship subsequently broke down. A Daily Mail report cited claims that tensions emerged while Gardner was in India for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Wright also travelled to India during the tournament, with a source describing their meeting as uncomfortable.
The pair have since separated, with reports suggesting Gardner has moved out of the Sydney home they previously shared.
Despite the controversy, Gardner continues to have backing from within Australian cricket. Her Women’s Big Bash League side, the Sydney Sixers, has reportedly stood by the all-rounder during the situation, according to news.com.au.
Gardner’s position within the Australian team also remains unchanged. She continues to be regarded as a key player and was recently part of the squad that extended Australia’s remarkable record in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Australia went on to claim its seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title in eight final appearances, further underlining the team’s dominance in the format.
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