England fast bowler will be eligible for selection for India series after panel issues verdict
The tweets, which were originally posted between 2012 and 2014, when Robinson was aged between 18 and 20, contained racist and sexist content, as well as other pejorative comments, and proved particularly embarrassing to the ECB, seeing as they came to light shortly after the squad had stood for a “moment of unity” prior to the start of play at Lord’s, wearing T-shirts denouncing various forms of discrimination.
Robinson was stood down from England selection at the conclusion of the Test, in which he claimed seven wickets across New Zealand’s two innings and also scored 42 in his maiden innings. Pending the investigation, it was subsequently announced that he would be taking a short break from playing for Sussex too, and at a hearing on June 30, the CDC took these factors into consideration while reaching their judgement.
“A Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) Panel today announced its decision in relation to two charges brought against Ollie Robinson,” the ECB said in a statement.
“Robinson had previously admitted breaching ECB Directives 3.3 and 3.4 in relation to a number of offensive tweets which were posted between 2012 and 2014, when he was aged between 18 and 20. The tweets came to light on 2 June 2021, which was also the first day of his first Test match for England.
“Following a hearing on 30 June, the Panel decided that Robinson should be suspended from playing cricket for eight matches, five of which will be suspended for two years.
“As regards the three matches which are the subject of immediate suspension, the Panel has taken into account the suspension imposed by the England Team from the second LV= Insurance Men’s Test against New Zealand, together with two of the Vitality Blast T20 matches from which Robinson voluntarily withdrew himself from selection for Sussex CCC due to the impact of these proceedings.
“Robinson is therefore free to play cricket immediately.”
More to follow…