You Found What Tim Paine Did And Still Made Him Captain? - Kim Hughes Questions CA's Decision

Former Australian captain Kim Hughes was dumbfounded by Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to appoint Tim Paine as captain despite knowing the unsolicited messages that the wicket-keeper batsman had shared with a co-worker.

On Friday, Paine resigned as the skipper of the Australian Test team with immediate effect following a scandal. He sent an explicit photo of himself to a co-worker followed by some lewd messages which were exposed recently.

Speaking about the incident with Five AA Radio in Adelaide, Hughes was stunned that the board ignored the issue and made him the captain of the Test team.

“Paine did what he had to do but what I find staggering is that Cricket Australia reviewed the situation and did nothing. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. Integrity? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“For god’s sake. You found that out and then said well that’s still acceptable and to appoint him captain? Give me a break. It’s absolutely staggering,” Hughes was quoted as saying on Friday.

“Despite the mistake Tim Paine made, he’s an exceptional leader” – CA Chairman

CA chairman Richard Freudenstein said that the decision was solely Tim Paine’s and it’s one that the board respects. However, he also added that Paine will be available for selection for the Ashes 2021-22 series that will begin in December.

“Tim felt it was in the best interests of his family and Australian cricket to take this decision to step down as captain. 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 behavior. Despite the mistake he made, Tim has been an exceptional leader since his appointment, and the Board thanks him for his distinguished service. Tim will continue to be available for selection in the Test team through the Ashes summer,” Richard stated.

The next captain will be appointed following a meeting between the national selectors and the team management.

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