Emily Smith ban not to be contested; internship offered

The Australian Cricketers’ Association has decided to not contest the three-month ban, with a further nine months suspended, handed over to Emily Smith by Cricket Australia (CA) and instead offered her a paid internship, which she accepted, reported ESPN Cricinfo.

The ACA had called for an extraordinary board meeting, where they decided to provide her with employment for the term of the ban and also seek an urgent meeting with CA to understand better the integrity rules under which Smith was suspended.

Smith will, as a part of the internship,
work across a range of programmes for the present and past players, thus
maintaining a link with the game as she is barred from taking part in the Women’s
Big Bash League, Women’s National Cricket League as well as club cricket.

"Emily has been offered and accepted
an internship at the ACA to continue her professional development during this
challenging time," the ACA stated in a letter. "The internship will
keep her involved in the game she loves and will incorporate the promotion of
ACA programmes and services; past-player engagement and event management."

The meeting, in which ACA’s new president
Shane Watson, chairperson Greg Dyer and chief executive Alistair Nicholson were
present, saw them request a meeting with the CA Board, which is due to meet on
December 6. It would have a wider discussion around Smith’s sanction under the
anti-corruption code.