Alex Hartley has accused Sophie Ecclestone and the England team of giving her the cold shoulder after their 2025 Women’s Ashes defeat.

In a controversy that has sparked discussion around the cricket world, Alex HartleyEx England The cricketer and current broadcaster, accused the star player Sophie Ecclestone And many members of the England women’s cricket team give it to her “Cold Shoulder” Post the opening T20I Women’s Ashes 2025. This dispute stemmed from Hartley’s open criticism of the team’s fitness level during the tournament, which led to significant friction in the team’s performance.

Alex Hartley accused Sophie Ecclestone of refusing to give an interview.

Later England’s 57-run defeat in the first T20I Hartley, who confirmed she had the Ashes in Sydney, Australia, revealed that England leader Sophie Ecclestone was “reluctant” to do a TV interview with her.

“Sophie Eccleston refused to do a TV interview with me today. I’ve been hung out to dry by the England team, none of them talking to me on the edge of the boundary. Hartley said. The BBC TMS Podcast.

Hartley linked Eccleston’s refusal to interview to earlier criticisms of fitness.

This refusal of Eccleston is interpreted by Hartley as a direct result of her previous criticisms. She had earlier made headlines by claiming that a few players in the England squad were not up to fitness.

Following England’s T20 World Cup exit and Ashes series defeat, Hartley’s comments were seen as a direct criticism of the team’s performance and preparation. Her comments specifically pointed to the team’s inability to adapt to Australia’s “athleticism”, which she believed was a major reason for their defeat.

“The reason I said they weren’t as qualified as Australia is because I want them to compete with Australia, I want them to be better than Australia, and I want them to win Ashes and World Cups. I am giving my opinion, and since then I have been given the cold shoulder from the England team. I pissed them off, obviously. John Lewis came out and said that there is no fitness problem in the team, there is no fitness problem in the England area. I think I was completely wrong in my opinion – this is good, absolutely good. I’m entitled to my opinion, and they’re entitled to theirs.” Hartley added.

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Hartley acknowledged the players’ support despite the setbacks

While Hartley expressed her displeasure at the way she was treated, she emphasized that not all players hated her. She admits that some individuals, both players and staff, are supportive and approachable.

“Some of the players were absolutely fantastic: we’d talk to them on the street, on the ground, wherever. But a few individuals – coaches, players – literally don’t look at me.” Hartley added.

as well Read: Twitter Reactions: Beth Muni as Australia beat England in 1st T20I to clinch Women’s Ashes 2025

This article was originally published by WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.