The short version
- Robin Das, a top-order batter for Essex County Cricket Club, has been formally charged with two counts of rape by Metropolitan Police authorities.
- The charges stem from an alleged incident in Brixton dating back to March 2024, following Das's arrest in August 2025.
- Essex confirmed the player remains suspended pending legal proceedings and emphasized adherence to safeguarding protocols.
Robin Das, a professional cricketer contracted to Essex County Cricket Club, has been charged with two counts of rape. The Metropolitan Police announced the charges on July 23, 2026, concluding an investigation that began after reports of an assault in London's Brixton district. Das, who is 24 years old, is scheduled to appear at Inner London Crown Court on October 9 to face these allegations.
The legal action follows a timeline of events stretching back over two years. Police stated that the charges relate to an incident reported to have occurred on March 30, 2024. Das was initially arrested in connection with this matter on August 27, 2025. The gap between the alleged offense and the formal charging highlights the duration of the investigative process undertaken by specialist officers.
Essex County Cricket Club has confirmed that Das has been suspended from all club activities since his arrest last year. This suspension was implemented two days after his final appearance for the team in July 2025, ensuring he was not participating in matches during the period leading up to the charges. The club stated that it has maintained contact with relevant governing bodies, including the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), and the Cricket Regulator.
In a statement addressing the situation, Essex emphasized its commitment to strict safeguarding and human resources procedures. The club noted that all employees are required to meet high standards of professional conduct. While acknowledging the legal proceedings are ongoing, the organization indicated it would continue to follow appropriate guidance and processes without commenting further on the specifics of the case.
Das has established himself as a regular figure in English county cricket since making his debut for Essex in 2020. Over his career, he has made 60 appearances for the county across various formats. His record includes nine first-class matches, 29 games in 50-over cricket, and 24 T20 matches. Additionally, he gained international franchise experience by playing two T20 games for the Dhaka Dominators in the Bangladesh Premier League.
His most recent senior appearance for Essex came during a One-Day Cup match against Middlesex on July 21, 2025. This game marked his only senior outing for the club in the 2026 season prior to the suspension being enforced. The timing of the charges, arriving months after his last competitive play, underscores the separation between his athletic duties and the legal matters now pending.
The Metropolitan Police highlighted that the victim continues to receive support from specialist officers throughout the judicial process. This aspect of the case management reflects standard protocols for handling serious sexual offenses, ensuring that the well-being of the complainant is prioritized alongside the administration of justice.
As the case moves toward its court date in October, attention will likely focus on how the cricketing authorities manage the player's status during the trial. The suspension remains in place, and no further details regarding potential long-term contractual implications have been released by Essex or the ECB. The situation serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between professional sports contracts and criminal law.
The club's statement reiterated that the incident took place outside of official club activities. This distinction is often relevant in determining organizational liability, though it does not mitigate the seriousness of the charges themselves. Essex has chosen to remain silent on further details while respecting the integrity of the ongoing legal proceedings.
With the court date set for October 9, the next phase will involve formal judicial processes. Until then, Das remains excluded from team activities. The cricket community and fans await the outcome of these proceedings, which could have significant implications for his career and standing within the sport.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Essex cricketer Das charged with two counts of rape
