India vs England: ECB Shares Major Update On Ollie Robinson's Return To International Cricket

Olly Robinson had to face a lot of criticism for his old tweets. The speedster's selection for the five-Test series against India to be played in August-September is almost certain.

Photo Courtesy: @ICC / Twitter

England fast bowler Ollie Robinson, who was banned last month for his old racist and sexist tweets, got a major relief from England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). ECB on Saturday approved Ollie Robinson to play cricket.

Robinson had to face a lot of criticism for his old tweets. Robinson, however, gave an amazing performance in his debut Test against New Zealand. The speedster managed to take seven wickets in his first match. Robinson's selection for the five-Test series against India to be played in August-September is almost certain.

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"Following a hearing on 30 June, the Discipline Commission Panel decided that Robinson should be suspended from playing cricket for eight matches, five of which will be suspended for two years," read the judgement.

"As regards the three matches which are the subject of immediate suspension, the Panel has taken into account the suspension imposed by the England Team from the second Test against New Zealand, together with two of the T20 matches from which Robinson voluntarily withdrew himself from selection for Sussex due to the impact of these proceedings.

"Robinson is therefore free to play cricket immediately."

The Panel said they took several factors into account in reaching their decision.

"The Panel took into account a number of factors including the nature and content of the tweets, the breadth of their discrimination, their widespread dissemination in the media and the magnitude of the audience to whom they became available," they said.

"The Panel also considered there was significant mitigation, including the time that had elapsed since the tweets were posted, and a number of personal references which demonstrated that Robinson, who chose to address the Panel, is a very different person to the one who sent the tweets.

"It also took account of his remorse, admissions and cooperation as well as the huge impact which the revelation of these tweets and its consequences have had upon him and his family."