Hobart Hurricanes Wicket-keeper Emily Smith Banned for Breaching Anti-corruption Code

Emily Smith, who plays for Hobart Hurricanes in the Woman’s Big Bash League (WBBL) was handed a ban by Cricket Australia (CA) for breaching Anti-corruption code.

The ban was, rather bizarrely, due to an Instagram post by the wicket-keeper batter. She had posted the team lineups prior to the match between Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder on November 2, an hour before the official scheduled release.

CA said Smith breached article 2.3.2 of the code, which 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”.

She has been ruled ineligible to participate in any form of cricket for a year, with nine months being fully suspended.

This ruling states “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.”

“Whilst Cricket Australia acknowledges that at the time of posting the team line-up there was no intent to breach the anti-corruption code, 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, said Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity and Security.

“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.”