Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nick Hockley on Friday (November 26) said that the governing body is committed to supporting Tim Paine after he announced taking an indefinite break from the game.
Last week, Paine stepped down as Australia’s Test captain after his sexually explicit text messages sent to a female former colleague at Cricket Tasmania in 2017 became public.
Though he had said that he would like to be part of the Ashes 2021-22 as a player, now he has decided to step away from the game for an indefinite mental health break.
Reacting to the same, the CA CEO Hockley said that the board understands Paine’s decision, as he and his family are currently going through an incredibly difficult time following the scandal and they will support the wicketkeeper batter in the tough time.
Hockley said in a statement: “We recognize that this is an incredibly difficult time for Tim and his family and are committed to supporting them. We respect and understand Tim's decision to have a break at this time to focus on his and his family's well-being.”
Meanwhile, Cricket Tasmania said in a statement on Paine's absence from the Marsh One-Day Cup match against Western Australia: “Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future”.
Hockley signed off by saying, “The National Selection Panel will meet in the coming days to discuss the final squad ahead of the first Ashes Test on December 8.”
(With ANI Inputs)
