Australian wicketkeeper Emily Smith has landed in trouble following her social media post. She has been banned from the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League after being found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia's stringent anti-corruption policy.
The Troublesome Social Media Post
Smith posted a video on her Instagram account which was taken from within the restricted Player and Match Official Area (PMOA) of West Park in Burnie on November 2. It included the details on the Hobart Hurricanes' line-up for their match against Sydney Thunder, a www.cricket.com.au report said.
Action Taken By Cricket Australia’s Anti-Corruption Unit
Going by an ACA statement, the video was posted about an hour before the scheduled start of play which is a breach of protocol.
Article 2.3.2 of Cricket Australia's Anti-Corruption Code prohibits: "Disclosing Inside Information to any person (with or without Reward) where the Participant knew or might reasonably have known that such disclosure might lead to the information being used in relation to Betting in relation to any Match or Event."
Emily’s Acceptance
Smith accepted the sanction for breaching Article 2.3.2 of the anti-corruption code and is ineligible to participate in any form of cricket for one year, with nine months of those suspended, the report said.
Team line-up information can be used by individuals betting on games, including 'fantasy' competitions with cash prizes.
Statement by Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity and Security Sean Carroll
“CA's rigorous anti-corruption player education program means that players are well aware of their obligations under the Anti-Corruption Code and there is no excuse for breaches regardless of the reasons for information being disclosed.
"Since the commencement of the WBBL, Cricket Australia has had in place a robust anti-corruption program. We have been working with Emily throughout the process and Emily now understands the mistake she made.
“Unfortunately, in this instance, Emily's actions breached the Anti-Corruption Code. We hope this serves as a reminder to all that the Anti-Corruption Code is critical to protecting the integrity of the game,” she said.