International Cricket Council
1 July 2012
Alan Isaac — the New Zealand chartered accountant who became ICC President (2012–2014) — took an unusual route from a Wellington accountancy practice to cricket's most senior elected office, with no playing or coaching background.
Various / ICC Rules
1 October 2012
Frequent changes to PowerPlay and fielding restriction rules in ODIs have been controversial, with critics arguing constant tinkering has made the format confusing and excessively batting-friendly.
West Indies vs Australia
2012
Kieron Pollard was given out hit wicket in a controversial decision where it was unclear whether his bat or body dislodged the bails.
England vs South Africa
August 2012
An appeal for obstructing the field was considered during the Lord's Test between England and South Africa, highlighting one of cricket's most rarely invoked Laws.
England (internal conflict)
12 August 2012
Kevin Pietersen sent derogatory text messages about England captain Andrew Strauss to members of the opposing South African team during a Test match.
Essex County Cricket Club
20 June 2012
Pakistani leg-spinner Danish Kaneria was found guilty of spot-fixing while playing for Essex in county cricket, having encouraged teammate Mervyn Westfield to underperform in exchange for payment.
South Africa
13 June 2012
South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell admitted to meeting a bookmaker during the IPL but claimed he did not engage in any corrupt activity.
South Africa / IPL franchise
1 May 2012
South African batsman JP Duminy reported that he was approached by a suspected bookmaker during IPL 2012, and was praised for following proper reporting procedures.
New Zealand vs Various
2012-03-01
New Zealand's Chris Martin recorded the most ducks in Test history and a batting average of 2.36, making him the most entertainingly bad batsman in cricket history.
Australia U19
20 August 2012
Australia's U19 team was criticised for excessive sledging and aggressive behaviour during the 2012 U19 World Cup, raising concerns about the culture being instilled in youth cricket.