Emily Smith suspended for breaching Anti-Corruption code

Emily Smith, the Hobart Hurricanes wicketkeeper, has been suspended by Cricket Australia for breaching Article 2.3.2 of the board's Anti-Corruption Code. She will miss the remainder of the ongoing Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and the second leg of the Women's National Cricket League due to this breach.

On November 2, ahead of the match between Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder, the 24-year-old shared the team's line-up on her personal Instagram account approximately an hour before the official announcement was made. The match was eventually washed out due to bad weather.

Smith accepted the sanction from the board and will be ineligible to participate in any form of cricket for a period of one year, with nine months being fully suspended.

According to CA's code of conduct, Article 2.3.2 prohibits one from "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.”

“Any potential offence under this Article will be considered on its own set of facts and the particular circumstances surrounding any relevant disclosure. For example, it may be an offence under this clause to disclose Inside Information: (a) to journalists or other members of the media; and/or (b) on social networking websites where the Participant knew or should reasonably have known that such disclosure might lead to the information being used in relation to betting," the code states.

Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity and Security, acknowledged that Smith had no intent to breach the anti-corruption code, but pointed out that there is no excuse as player eduction programme ensures that players are aware of their obligations.

“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.”

“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," Carroll said.