Piepa Cleary, a 19-year old female cricketer who played for the Pertch Scorchers in the Women's Big Bash Legue, becomes the second Aussie woman player in hot water and has been banned for six months after placing bets totaling $15.50, which was a breach in anti-corruption code of Cricket Australia.
Cleary placed bets on the test match between Australia and New Zealand in late November. This placing of bets is a breach in the Anti-Corruption Code that relates to "placing, accepting, laying or entering into any bet in relation to the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any match or event."
The young cricketer was officially sanctioned a 24-month ban. However, 18 of the months of suspension will be suspended if she does not commit any other offence. This means that Cleary will have to sit out all official cricket games within the next 6 months - this includes functions and cricket-related events.
A CA statement on Thursday states that Cleary admitted to the charges and would accept the ban. The breach is similar to Angel Reakes 24-month suspended sentence late last year. However, CA stated that Cleary's penalty is tougher due to aggravating factors, including the fact that they recently had face-to-face anti-corruption training two months recently.
Iain Roy, head of CA integrity unit said, "We continue to remind all elite cricketers and officials that betting on any form of cricket is strictly prohibited.
"It is outlined in the anti-corruption education that we deliver annually and is written into our anti-corruption code.
"Piepa has heard this message many times through the anti-corruption education sessions that we deliver and accepts that in placing the bets she exercised poor judgment.
"Bets totaling $15.50 might seem small but it doesn't matter. We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of gambling on cricket by players in order to protect the integrity of the game.
"It has been made very clear that if Piepa breaches the code in any way again she will receive a significantly lengthier suspension."
Christina Matthews, WACA chief said, "We are naturally disappointed that one of our players has been involved in an incident such as this.
"Cricket in this country is held in high regard for its integrity and it is important for the future of the sport that remains the case and the WACA understands and supports the sanctions that have been handed down in this instance.
"Piepa will have to work hard to regain some respect from this incident, but she remains an important member of WA cricket and has taken responsibility for her actions.
"The WACA works alongside CA in ensuring all players and staff have an understanding of permissible behavior.
"This serves as a reminder for those who need one as to how serious anti-corruption is taken in cricket and it is my expectation that this is the last issue of its kind the WACA has to deal with."
source https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/cricket/a/30734505/scorchers-bowler-cops-six-month-ban-for-gambling/
