"Can't Have An Affair"; Ex-Wife Questions Cricket Team
Wright also called for Gardner to lose her vice-captaincy role. She said captains and senior players are expected to set a good example for others in the team.
Australia women’s cricket vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner is facing fresh controversy after her estranged wife Monica Wright again spoke about their separation. Wright has questioned Cricket Australia’s decision not to make a public statement about the allegations involving Gardner and teammate Georgia Voll.
Wright had earlier accused Gardner of having an affair with Voll. Speaking to Code Sports, she said she could not understand why Cricket Australia had remained silent on the matter. She also questioned whether Gardner should continue in a leadership position with the national team.
According to Wright, players who represent their country are expected to behave responsibly because they are seen as role models. She argued that leadership comes with additional responsibility and said the alleged relationship raised concerns because of what she described as a power imbalance.
Wright also called for Gardner to lose her vice-captaincy role. She said captains and senior players are expected to set a good example for others in the team.
However, Cricket Australia has described the matter as private and personal. The governing body said it has policies in place to ensure relationships within its workforce are handled properly. CA also said it uses conflict-of-interest arrangements when required to protect leadership duties and the integrity of team processes.
Gardner and Wright married in April 2025. Their relationship later faced difficulties while Gardner was in India for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, according to reports. Wright subsequently made allegations about Gardner and Voll, and the couple have since separated.
Gardner has continued to receive support from her Women's Big Bash League team, Sydney Sixers. The franchise’s general manager and former Australia player Rachael Haynes said the club had been in contact with Gardner.
Haynes said the team was supporting Gardner during the difficult period. She described Gardner as an important and respected player within the Sixers setup.