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Australia Women’s National Cricket Team cricketer Ashleigh Gardner has been involved in a controversy. As the vice-captain’s ex-wife, Monica Wright, has taken a swipe at Cricket Australia over mishandling the allegations surrounding Gardner’s personal life. She has been vocal about the fact for the cheating scandal that the cricketer had with her.
Monica Wright has urged the apex body of Australia to remove Ashleigh Gardner from the vice-captaincy role. However, the board has not taken any action regarding the matter, so the former has gone to the media, citing her displeasure towards the board and also the cricketer as well. She publicly made allegations about Gardner in July.
Monica Wright calls out Ashleigh Gardner for cheating
While speaking with Code Sports, Monica Wright called out Ashleigh Gardner for not having moral values, and she also calls Cricket Australia into question for supporting Georgia Voll and Ashleigh Gardner. She believes that the conduct of both cricketers should be reprimanded, as Gardner does not have the standard to become a leader.
“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.
What happened between Ashleigh Gardner and Monica Wright?
Gardner and her estranged wife, Monica Wright, married in April 2025, but separated later separated following a public infidelity scandal. Wright accused Gardner of having an affair with national teammate Georgia Voll during an ODI World Cup campaign.
However, nothing has been proved yet, but Wright has been fighting for justice and seeking help from Cricket Australia. Previously, she posted on Instagram to clarify media reports, sharing a photograph of teammate Georgia Voll with the caption, "This is who my wife cheated on me with."
Cricket Australia responds to Monica Wright's latest comments
In reply to the allegations and charges towards Cricket Australia, the board stated that the matter is more a personal one and should be dealt with privately.
“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.
Earlier during the controversy, the WBBL franchise Sydney Sixers, which Ashleigh Gardner represents, backed the Australia all-rounder during the controversy.
She was recently part of the Women’s T20 World Cup squad 2026, which the Aussies won against the England side at Lord’s. They have won it 7 times (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2026) out of 10 editions; this showcases their prowess in women’s cricket, especially in the T20 format.
