On Friday- Tim Paine step down as men’s test caption over 2018 sexting scandal. He disclosed that he was involved in a text messaging with a former female employee of Cricket Tasmania late in 2017. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia was criticized for mishandling the situation. Australian cricket says the organization ‘’ sent the wrong message’’ with its management of the scandal and its investigation into the incident. Also said that he should have been removed from his role as men’s test captain at that time.

Speaking to the media, CA Chair Richard Freudenstein, who was not part of the organization back in 2018. Richard said that if the current CA board had been in place, it would not have endorsed Paine as captain. He said that CA should talk about the investigation publicly at that time.

He said, ‘’ neither of us- (CA Chief Executive) Nick Hockley or myself- can speak directly to the decision-making process in 2018. This includes being able to provide any further insights around how the original judgment was made, that Tim’s behavior did not breach the code of conduct and that it did not warrant any further disciplinary action.’’

He said Australian cricket would have made the same decision as today at that time.

‘’ I acknowledge that the decision sent the wrong message to the sport, to the community, and Tim- that this kind of behavior is acceptable and without serious consequences.’’

Freudenstein was made aware of the situation back in 2019 when he joined the CA board. It was a very brief conversation. He was inform about the incident that happens a few years earlier, according to him.

Paine made no comment

Paine did not respond to the media for asking how he was feeling. He said, ‘’Not speaking today, sorry mate.’’  Earlier upon asking Ben Harrison said, Pain is all fine, and looking forward to playing today.

He said, ‘’ History tells us every time Tim Paine’s available he plays for University, that’s his home and that’s the club that he loves to represent. Meanwhile, Paine was playing for the University of Tasmania cricket club against South Hobart Sandy Bay. However, the match at Queenborough oval was call off due to rain. 

Paine also represented the University team last year when they won the first grade final and the one-day final. Harrison said, ‘’ He’s a massive part of our club.’’