Hobart Hurricanes wicketkeeper Emily Smith will not be playing the remaining part of the women’s season of the Big Bas League (WBBL) after copping a ban due to Cricket Australia’s anti-corruption policy. Smith will be ineligible to participate in any form of cricket for the next year, with nine months being fully suspended, meaning her suspension will run for three months.
Smith posted a video to her Instagram account that included details on the Hurricanes’ line-up for their Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) match against Sydney Thunder.
Article 2.3.2 of Cricket Australia’s Anti-Corruption Code prohibits: “Disclosing Inside Information to any person (with or without Reward) where the Participant knew or might reasonably have known that such disclosure might lead to the information being used in relation to Betting in relation to any Match or Event.”
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In a related note, the Code states: “Any potential offense under this Article will be considered on its own set of facts and the particular circumstances surrounding any relevant disclosure. For example, it may be an offense under this clause to disclose Inside Information: (a) to journalists or other members of the media; and/or (b) on social networking websites where the Participant knew or should reasonably have known that such disclosure might lead to the information being used in relation to Betting.”
Talking about the same, Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity and Security, said: “Whilst Cricket Australia acknowledges that at the time of posting the team line-up there was no intent to breach the Anti-Corruption Code, CA’s rigorous anti-corruption player education program means that players are well aware of their obligations under the Anti-Corruption Code and there is no excuse for breaches regardless of the reasons for information being disclosed.”
Carrol also that since the commencement of the WBBL, Cricket Australia (CA) has had in place a robust anti-corruption program. They have been working with Emily throughout the process and she now understands the mistake she made.
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It can also be termed unfortunate that in this instance Emily’s actions breached the Anti-Corruption Code. However, CA hopes this serves as a reminder to all that the Anti-Corruption Code is critical to protecting the integrity of the game.
