Fazalhaq Farooqi, a Sydney Thunders player in the Big Bash League, was reportedly fired after allegations of harassment against female cricket staff surfaced. Farooqi was returned to Afghanistan following an investigation by Cricket Australia’s Integrity Unit, Thunder players were informed at a meeting on Friday.
Despite the fact that they were given the news, teammates were not told why the 22-year-old had been given his marching orders. According to News Corp, the matter has not been reported to the police, and officials are not disclosing the details of the alleged behaviour due to confidentiality clauses surrounding those involved.
The Thunder terminated Farooqi’s contract on Friday, effective immediately after Cricket Australia investigated the December 15 incident. “Breaking news Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has been such a star for the Thunder over the opening four games of the Big Bash, has been released effective immediately from his contract,” Fox Cricket reporter Drew Jones said on Friday night.
“This goes back to an incident last Thursday. They haven’t specified exactly what happened, but the code of conduct commissioner at Cricket Australia has ruled that he broke the code of conduct of Cricket Australia. He has been released from his contract effective immediately, so only four games in.
“I have got some quotes here from the Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon: “The behaviours displayed by Fazalhaq Farooqi sit outside our values. It was determined that his contract would be terminated. Our focus now is providing the necessary support to those affected by this incident.”
“In accordance with the terms of the Integrity Unit investigation, no further comment will be made and no news yet on a potential replacement.”
The details of this matter are confidential: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia also issued a brief statement regarding the contract termination. “Sydney Thunder have terminated the contract of Fazalhaq Farooqi, a move supported by Cricket Australia,” CA said in a statement.
“The club referred a matter that occurred last Thursday to Cricket Australia’s Integrity Unit for investigation. Following that investigation and a subsequent hearing and ruling by a CA Conduct Commissioner, the Thunder decided to terminate the player’s contract. The details of this matter are confidential and no further comment will be made.”
