Australia’s Test captain, Tim Paine has decided to step down from his captaincy position after the emergence of his involvement in a ‘sexting’ scandal. As per the reports of cricket.com.au., Paine announced his resignation at a press conference in Hobart on Friday. He announced his shocking resignation after the inappropriate “private text exchange” with a then-colleague came to light.
As per the quotes in cricket.com.au., Tim Paine said, “Today, I’ve announced my decision to stand down as the captain of the Australian men’s test team. It’s an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket. As background on my decision, nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague. At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough CA Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in.”
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He further elaborated, “That investigation and a Cricket Tasmania HR investigation at the same time found that there had been no breach of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct. Although exonerated, I deeply regretted this incident at the time, and still do today. We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team, as I have done for the last three or four years. However, I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public.”
Developing story here #Ashes https://t.co/xaxEE2UDPk
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 19, 2021
Apologizing to his family and the cricketing fraternity down under, Tim Paine said, “On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community. I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party. I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport. And I believe that it is the right decision for me to stand down as captain, effective immediately.”
Tim Pains resigns as an Australian captain after sexting scandal. He had sent unsolicited d**k pictures and a flurry of lewd messages to former employee of Tasmania cricket. Here is his statement, apologising to his family and announcing resignation. #SextingGate #TimPaine pic.twitter.com/dtFQR3g9hz
— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) November 19, 2021
Tim Paine also elaborated that he has always loved the role of being the Australian skipper and it has been a privilege for him to lead the Australian men’s test team. He also expressed gratefulness for the support he has received from his teammates.
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The wicketkeeper-batter became the captain of the Test team after the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, involving ex-skipper Steve Smith, then vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft. As per reports in the Australian media, Tim Paine had found guilty of sending inappropriate messages to a female co-worker in 2017.
