Ravi Shastri Co-Owned Pro10 League in Malaysia Faces Fraud Allegations; Andre Russell and Chris Woakes Among Players Reportedly Left Stranded

The launch of the Pro10 Malaysia league has been overshadowed by serious allegations of financial mismanagement and fraud just 24 hours before the first ball was scheduled to be bowled. Several high-profile international cricketers, including Andre Russell and Chris Woakes, are reportedly among those affected by the logistical breakdown. Reports emerging on Thursday, 29 January, suggest that hotel bookings were not honoured and travel arrangements were left unconfirmed, leaving players and coaching staff stranded in Malaysia. ECB Set To Appoint Ravi Shastri To Lead England’s Red-Ball Reset After Ashes 2025–26 Failure.

A unverified circular going viral on social media from the 'Four Points' hotel, which was intended to house the athletes, informed guests that credit facilities had been withdrawn due to "non-fulfilment of agreed payment terms."

Unverified Viral Circular

As a result, players were reportedly informed that they would be responsible for their own room charges and incidental expenses for the remainder of their stay. The situation has caused significant distress amongst the squads, with some players reportedly left waiting in hotel lobbies for hours without confirmed accommodation.

The league, which was announced with much fanfare in late 2025, listed former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri as a co-founder and West Indian legend Sir Viv Richards as its brand ambassador. The four-day event is designed to feature four teams playing ten matches, concluding on 2 February.

While Shastri has been a primary face of the league's promotion, he has yet to issue an official statement regarding the current crisis.

The league had successfully attracted a variety of elite talent. In addition to Russell and Woakes, names such as Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, and Angelo Mathews are slated to participate.