This case is from 2017 only a few months after which Penn got a chance to return to the Test team after seven years. At the time, investigations by Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania gave Penn a clean chit.
Australia have to play the Ashes series against arch-rivals England a few days later. The first Test will be played in Brisbane from December 8.
“I am stepping down as captain of the Australian men’s cricket team today,” Penn said at a press conference. It is a very difficult decision but the right one for me, my family and cricket.
“About four years ago, I sent text messages to a lady who was a colleague at that time,” he said.
He said, “I had apologized for that incident and I still ask for it today. I also spoke to my wife and family and am thankful for their apologies and cooperation.
Paine will continue to be a part of the Australian team.
According to the report, a female employee of Cricket Tasmania has claimed that Pen sent her obscene messages with pictures of her genitals. That woman had left the job in 2017 itself.
Paine was named the captain of the Australian Test team in 2018 following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. The board has accepted his resignation and the search for the next Test captain is on.
“We thought the matter was over and I could focus on the team,” Penn said. But I recently came to know that private messages have become public. That action of mine in 2017 is not in line with the criteria required to continue as Australian cricket captain.
“I apologize for causing pain to my wife, family and other parties,” he said. I also apologize for hurting the reputation of the game by this.
“It is right for me to resign from the captaincy with immediate effect,” he said. I don’t want any disturbance in the preparation ahead of the Ashes series. I will continue to be a dedicated member of the Australian cricket team.”
Cricket Australia chief Richard Friedenstein said it was Penn’s own decision.
“Tim felt the same was true for his family and for Australian cricket,” he said.
Cricket Australia said in a statement, “The Board recognizes that Penn has been given a clean chit in this matter a few years ago, but we respect his decision.” Such language or behavior is not acceptable. Despite this mistake, Paine has been an excellent captain and we thank him for his services.
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