Kevin Pietersen's relationship with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might not be easy, even as a mentor. The ECB's strict anti-gambling policies put it in a difficult position when the former England batter revealed his affiliation with Dafabet, a betting firm located in the Philippines, on Monday. The Guardian claims that Pietersen informed the board that he would not promote Dafabet while he was obligated to England, which would limit his ability to fulfil the terms of the agreement. He has a 13-month contract to work with Brendon McCullum's white-ball team for about 150 days, till the conclusion of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa will co-host.

Pietersen is scheduled to participate in England's winter tours of Australia and South Africa as well as their domestic white-ball matches next summer prior to the World Cup, despite not travelling to Pakistan for the forthcoming 50-over tri-series against Sri Lanka.

Cricket players are not allowed to bet on matches or encourage others to do so due to the ECB's stringent anti-corruption procedures. will not advocate for gambling while serving as England's specialised mentor, even if he signed a lucrative brand ambassador contract with Dafabet, an online bookmaker. The board's approach to the matter and its acceptance of the non-promotion must be observed.

McCullum's affiliation with a betting firm has already raised concerns for the ECB. In 2023, the England coach joined 22Bet, a Cyprus-based company that advertised its Indian Premier League betting markets on Facebook and YouTube. McCullum eventually terminated the relationship, but the board later determined that he had not violated its anti-corruption code.

Commercial agreements pertaining to gambling in English cricket are likewise restricted by ECB regulations. The board has banned betting companies from receiving advertising income. Next year, the Hundred franchises will start signing sponsorship agreements for gambling.

Players' and other cricket players' wagers are subject to the same regulations. Two years ago, England fast bowler Brydon Carse received a 16-month suspension, with 13 months suspended, for placing 303 bets between 2017 and 2019.