'Respect Our Privacy': Ashleigh Gardner Breaks Silence On Personal Controversy As Cricket Australia Backs Her As Vice-Captain

Ashleigh Gardner, the woman's cricket team vice-captain for Australia, has addressed her ongoing personal controversy by breaking her silence and requesting the public to respect her privacy. Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that she remains the vice-captain. The controversy stems from her estranged wife, Monica Wright, making serious allegations of infidelity during the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India.

Monica also questioned the national board's decision to keep Ashleigh in her vice-captaincy role. Gardner acknowledged that while her separation from Monica is a personal matter, she understands the need for Cricket Australia to address her current relationship status given her position. She expressed gratitude for CA's support and her intention to play a strong leadership role for her teammates in the upcoming season.

Gardner and Monica married in April 2025, but their relationship faced difficulties during the World Cup. Ashleigh alleged an affair with teammate Georgia Voll following her move out of their home in Sydney. She forgave Monica for the pain caused and wished her well in the future, asking for privacy for those involved. CA emphasized that the dispute remains a private matter, activating conflict-of-interest arrangements under its Respect at Work policy to protect team integrity. Her WBBL franchise, Sydney Sixers, supports her fully.