London: England’s first-ever T20 World Cup-winning captain, Paul Collingwood, has vanished from the public eye and the England Cricket Board’s (ECB) coaching plans, as mounting questions surround his personal conduct and a substantial tax bill. Once regarded as the heart of England cricket, the 49-year-old has not participated in the national coaching setup since May 22 this year, when he withdrew from the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Nottingham citing “personal reasons.”
Recent reports suggest that Collingwood will also miss the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, extending his absence to over a year by next summer. While no official explanation has been provided, insiders point to a combination of personal, legal, and professional issues behind his disappearance.
Sex scandal and leaked voice note
Collingwood’s off-field life has been clouded with controversy. In April 2023, former teammate Graeme Swann revealed on the Rig Biz Podcast the circulation of an explicit audio recording allegedly featuring Collingwood in a prolonged sexual encounter with multiple women. The timing and exact circumstances remain unclear, but Swann described the incident as “pure Collingwood” while brushing it off as a reflection of his flamboyant persona.
The former all-rounder has a history of media attention due to his after-hours activities. Notably, in 2007, just before captaining England in a T20 World Cup match in South Africa, he was spotted at a Cape Town strip club. He claimed he left quickly, but the ECB imposed a fine of £1,000. Similar incidents have followed; in 2022, shortly after being named interim head coach following England’s Ashes defeats in Australia, images emerged of Collingwood kissing a woman on a Barbados beach, days after England’s heavy loss to the West Indies.
Tax troubles: A ₹2 crore burden
Adding to his woes, Collingwood faces a significant tax liability. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has ordered him to pay £196,000 (approximately ₹2 crore) after investigating his use of a personal services company, “PDC Rights,” to channel sponsorship earnings and reduce tax obligations. While a previous investigation in 2009 was dropped, HMRC reopened the case and ruled that payments from brands such as Slazenger and Clydesdale Bank should have been taxed as self-employment income. Collingwood lost his appeal and must now settle the full amount, reportedly dealing with the tax issues in London when he skipped England’s summer fixture against Zimbabwe.
Once a hero, now a mystery
Collingwood’s career achievements remain significant. A member of the legendary 2005 Ashes squad and captain of England’s first ICC trophy-winning T20 side in 2010, he scored 4,259 runs in 68 Tests at an average above 40 and collected 5,092 runs along with 111 wickets in 197 ODIs. He was particularly valued for his medium-pace bowling and exceptional fielding.
Post-retirement, he served as interim head coach following Chris Silverwood’s exit and played a vital role in the Ben Stokes–Brendon McCullum era, contributing to team spirit and camaraderie. However, ECB insiders claim that Collingwood’s nocturnal lifestyle, lack of professionalism off the field, and personal challenges have eroded trust. His absence from the recent reunion of the 2005 Ashes squad further fuelled speculation about his isolation from the cricketing community.
ECB silent, Collingwood elusive
The ECB has refrained from providing clarity on Collingwood’s future, only stating that “one or two positions on the support team are being finalised” ahead of the Ashes tour. Neither Collingwood nor his representatives have publicly addressed his prolonged absence. His past glories notwithstanding, the former England captain now faces scrutiny from tax authorities, social media backlash over leaked recordings, and a conspicuous absence from the sport he once helped shape.