‘Sorry for the pain’: Australian cricketer breaks silence on cheating allegations

Ashleigh Gardner and Monica Wright (Agency Image)

Australia women’s vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner has addressed the controversy surrounding her separation from Monica Wright, asking for privacy while apologising for the pain caused during their relationship.Gardner had stayed silent for several months after Wright publicly accused the all-rounder of cheating on her with Australia teammate Georgia Voll during the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India. Wright had also criticised Cricket Australia for not taking action against Gardner or removing her from the vice-captaincy.The issue resurfaced in recent weeks, with Wright questioning why Gardner had been allowed to continue in a leadership role. Cricket Australia had maintained that the matter was personal and private.Gardner finally commented on the situation on Thursday, issuing a statement through her Instagram Stories. She thanked Cricket Australia for supporting her and confirmed that she would continue in her leadership role.“While my separation from my wife is a personal matter, I understand my current relationship status needed to be addressed by Cricket Australia, given my position as the vice-captain. I am grateful that the CA Board has chosen to support my continued leadership. I look forward to playing a strong role as a leader and providing the best possible support for my teammates in the season to come,” Gardner said in a statement shared on Instagram Stories.Gardner also expressed regret over the hurt caused to Wright and wished her well in the future.“I am grateful for the time Monica and I shared and sorry for the pain this has caused. I wish her nothing but happiness and success in the future. I won’t be making any further comment on this matter at this time and ask that the privacy of those involved be respected,” she added.Gardner and Wright had married in April 2025, but their relationship subsequently came under strain during the Women’s World Cup in India later that year.According to Wright’s earlier allegations, Gardner became involved with Voll during the tournament. Wright said Gardner eventually moved out of their home, and she later publicly questioned whether the circumstances should have resulted in consequences for the Australia all-rounder.Wright had specifically argued that Gardner should have been stripped of the vice-captaincy and had also criticised CA for its handling of the matter.

Cricket Australia, however, said it had processes in place to ensure professional relationships and leadership responsibilities were managed appropriately.“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’s status within Australian cricket has also received backing from her domestic side. Her Women’s Big Bash League franchise, the Sydney Sixers, had previously supported the all-rounder amid the controversy.Gardner’s latest statement closes the door on any further public discussion from her side for now, with the vice-captain making it clear that she does not intend to comment further while asking for privacy for everyone involved.