The world of English county cricket has been rocked by a leadership scandal at one of its most storied clubs. On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Anu Mohindru, the chairman of Essex County Cricket Club, tendered his resignation after being disbarred by the Barristers’ Tribunal Service. The disbarment followed revelations that Mohindru, a prominent criminal lawyer and King’s Counsel, had lied about his academic credentials—specifically, falsely claiming to have studied medicine and biomedical science at the University of Oxford.
The allegations against Mohindru first surfaced during a five-day tribunal hearing, where he denied "knowingly" providing false information. Despite his denials, the tribunal found that he had fabricated parts of his CV while applying for a senior legal role at 23 Essex Street Chambers between late 2012 and early 2013. The Bar Standards Board concluded that Mohindru had "deliberately exaggerated his academic achievements and qualifications in an attempt to improve his tenancy prospects." Among the most damning claims was that he had lied during a job interview about studying biomedical science at Oxford, with the university finding no record of a student by his name. He also asserted on his CV that he studied medicine at Oxford from 1993 to 1994 and even claimed to have represented Oxford in the varsity cricket match against Cambridge, as well as playing for the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club—claims that were later proven false.
As a result of the tribunal’s findings, Mohindru was immediately suspended pending any appeal and ordered to pay nearly £55,000 in costs to the Bar Standards Board. The club formally announced his resignation on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, expressing gratitude for his "leadership and significant contribution" during his tenure. In a swift response to the sudden leadership void, the Essex County Cricket Club board appointed former professional cricketer Jason Gallian as interim chair and Vicky Ford as interim deputy chair.
In a statement released by the club, the board said: "Essex County Cricket Club can confirm that Club Chair Anu Mohindru has stood down as a Board Member with immediate effect. He informed the Board of his decision at a meeting on Sunday. Following the meeting the Board has decided that Jason Gallian will act as Interim Chair whilst Vicky Ford will assume the position of Interim Deputy Chair. Essex County Cricket Club would like to place on record its thanks to Anu for his leadership and significant contribution during his time as Chair of the Club."
This episode marks yet another challenging chapter for Essex cricket, a club with a rich legacy and multiple County Championship titles to its name. Over the years, Essex has been home to several England internationals and has prided itself on its competitive edge within English cricket. Yet, the Mohindru scandal is not the first time the club’s leadership has come under scrutiny. Mohindru was appointed nearly two years ago, succeeding interim chair Sir Stephen O’Brien, who had filled the role after Azeem Akhtar resigned amid controversy over historic social media activity. Akhtar stepped down despite being cleared after a review into allegations of anti-Semitic posts, which themselves followed a period when several former players accused the club of racist abuse.
Essex’s recent history has been marred by issues of governance and discrimination. In May 2022, the club was fined £50,000 by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after admitting to two charges relating to a racist remark at a board meeting in 2017. Former chairman John Faragher denied making the comment. The following year, the club was fined £100,000—half of which was suspended for two years—after admitting to longstanding and systemic racism and discrimination within its ranks. The current leadership crisis only adds to the club’s need for stability and reform at the highest levels.
For Mohindru, this dramatic fall from grace is particularly notable given his high-profile legal career. He made headlines in 2018 as the barrister who successfully defended England Test captain Ben Stokes against affray charges following a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub. Mohindru also acted in a major people-smuggling trial in 2015, after 35 Afghan Sikhs were discovered in a container at Tilbury Docks. He was made a QC in 2020, further cementing his reputation in legal circles before moving into sports administration.
The timing of Mohindru’s resignation could hardly be more sensitive. County cricket is gearing up for a new season, and Essex, with its storied past and passionate fanbase, faces the challenge of maintaining its competitive standards amid boardroom upheaval. The club’s statement, while expressing gratitude for Mohindru’s service, made it clear that the board is focused on ensuring continuity and professionalism during this period of transition. "Stable governance is essential for maintaining our reputation and ensuring success on the field," said an unnamed club spokesperson in a statement to the press.
Observers and supporters alike are now watching closely to see how Essex will respond. The appointment of Jason Gallian, who brings a wealth of experience from his playing days and administrative roles, is seen as a positive step. Vicky Ford’s elevation to interim deputy chair also signals an intent to bring fresh perspectives to the boardroom. However, the club must also reckon with the broader issues of trust and transparency, both within its leadership and in its relationship with the wider cricketing community.
The fallout from Mohindru’s disbarment and resignation extends beyond cricket. The case has highlighted the importance of integrity not only in the legal profession but also in sports administration. The Barristers’ Tribunal Service’s decision to disbar Mohindru and impose substantial costs underscores the seriousness with which such breaches of trust are treated. As the club looks to the future, rebuilding confidence among members, players, and fans will be essential.
Despite the off-field turbulence, Essex County Cricket Club’s focus will soon return to matters on the pitch. With a new season looming, the players and coaching staff will be eager to put recent controversies behind them and deliver performances worthy of the club’s proud heritage. For now, though, the cricketing world is left to reflect on a cautionary tale of ambition, deception, and the enduring need for honesty at every level of sport and society.
As the dust settles, Essex supporters will be hoping that lessons have been learned and that the club’s new interim leadership can steer the ship through these choppy waters. The coming weeks will be critical as the board works to restore stability and set the stage for a successful season ahead.
