Tim Paine retired as captain of Australia last week, but had been named to the Ashes team before the series that begins December 8 in Gabba; Cricket Tasmania says Paine “will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future”
Tim Paine retired as captain of Australia last week
Australian Tim Paine will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for “the foreseeable future,” with the Ashes just two weeks away.
Paine retired as captain last Friday after news outlets revealed that he had been investigated and cleared for sexually explicit text messages sent to a former colleague at Cricket Tasmania in 2017.
The wicketkeeper was named to the Australia team for the Ashes, which begins on December 8, and still had the backing of his international teammates.
But Paine has now decided to walk away from the game for an indefinite period.
“Following discussions over the past 24 hours, Tim Paine has informed Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a license from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future,” said a statement.
Paine’s manager, James Henderson, said he was concerned for his client’s well-being.
“Confirming that @ tdpaine36 is moving away from cricket for an indefinite mental health break,” Henderson posted on Twitter. “We are extremely concerned for her and Bonnie’s well-being and will not comment further at this time.”
Paine was replaced for the Tasmania Cricket match against Western Australia on Friday.
“Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally throughout the summer,” added his statement.
Paine’s resignation and Cricket Australia’s handling of the scandal have sparked recriminations, with Cricket Tasmania accusing the national body of hanging the goalkeeper out to dry after having acquitted him of any wrongdoing in 2018.
The Sydney Morning Herald players were also reported unhappy with Cricket Australia’s treatment of Paine on Wednesday.
