The Australian Cricketers’ Association has sensationally claimed Tim Paine should not have needed to quit the Test captaincy despite his involvement in a sexting scandal.
Paine’s tenure as skipper was officially brought to an end on Friday in a teary press conference, where he expressed his regret over incidents which took place in 2017.
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However, the players’ union’s statement, which came after Paine’s press conference, was seemingly at odds with Cricket Australia.
“While respecting the decision made by Tim Paine, the ACA is saddened that he felt the need to resign from the captaincy of the Australian Test team,” the statement read.
“While regrettable, this was a historical mistake that was a private matter between consenting individuals. Tim fully cooperated in an integrity investigation by Cricket Australia in 2018 in which he was exonerated.
“Tim humbly recognised the respect that comes with the Australian captaincy and his resignation reflects the esteem in which he held the role he served so well in a trying period for Australian cricket.
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“Tim’s captaincy has been regarded throughout the cricket world as playing a crucial role in restoring pride back in the Australian team, both in their performance and the spirit in which they play the game.
“While Tim has clearly made a mistake, he will continue to have the full and unequivocal support of the ACA.”
Cricket Australia chair, Richard Freudenstein, said the board had accepted Paine’s decision and backed the 36-year-old to remain a part of Australia’s Ashes squad.
“The Board has accepted Tim’s resignation and will now work through a process with the National Selection Panel of identifying and appointing a new captain,” he wrote in a CA statement, in part.
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“While the Board acknowledges an investigation cleared Tim of any breach of the code of conduct regarding this matter some years ago, we respect his decision.
“CA does not condone this type of language or behaviour.”