We Respect Tim Paine's Decision But Feel Saddened By It - Australian Cricketers' Association
The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) lent its support to Tim Paine following the wicket-keeper’s involvement in a sexting scandal. Paine resigned with immediate effect for the sake of his team and his family.
There was a string of lewd messages that Paine had sent to a female co-worker back in 2017, including an explicit image of himself. The matter had come to light long ago, but Paine’s resignation indicated it was about to go public.
“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. 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,” the statement from ACA read.
“Tim Paine made a mistake, but he has unequivocal support from us” – ACA
The ACA further mentioned how crucial the role of Tim Paine has been in reviving Australian cricket following the infamous Sandpaper gate. He was elevated to the skipper’s role after Steve Smith was banned from international cricket for a year.
“Tim humble recognised the respect that comes with the Australian captaincy, and his resignation reflects the esteem in which he held the role that he served so well in a trying period for Australian cricket. 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,” the statement further read.
Paine is expected to be part of the Australian squad for the Ashes but not as a skipper. The first Ashes Test begins at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 8.
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