Aus cricketer Emily banned for social media post

Hobart (Tasmania), Nov 19 (IANS) A social media post, which is against Cricket Australia's stringent anti-corruption policy, has landed Hobart Hurricanes wicketkeeper Emily Smith in hot water as she has been banned for the remainder of the women's season.

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, that included details on the Hurricanes' line-up for their match against Sydney Thunder, a www.cricket.com.au report said.

Team line-up information can be used by individuals betting on games, including 'fantasy' competitions with cash prizes.

Going by a ACA statement, the video was posted about an hour before the scheduled start of play which is breach of protocol.

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.

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."

Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity and Security Sean Carroll was quoted as saying by www.cricket.com.au that while Smith did not intend to breach the code, players were well aware of their obligations.

"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," Carroll said.

"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 reminder to all that the Anti-Corruption Code is critical to protecting the integrity of the game."