The Sydney Thunder have terminated the contract of Fazalhaq Farooqi effective immediately after an investigation by the Cricket Australia Integrity Unit.
“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 Sports News reporter Drew Jones said on Fox Cricket.
“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.
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“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.”
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Cricket Australia released a short statement on the contract termination.
“Sydney Thunder have terminated the contract of Fazalhaq Farooqi, a move supported by Cricket Australia,” CA released in a statement.
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“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.”
Farooqi played three more matches for the Thunder between the incident and today’s announcement his contract would be torn up.
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Last Friday, the day after the incident, the Thunder made global headlines when they were bowled out for 15 by the Adelaide Strikers, of which Farooqi contributed one and was the not out batter when the innings ended in the sixth over. He had earlier taken 3-20 with the ball.
Farooqi then went wicketless against both the Melbourne Renegades and in a rematch with the Strikers.
The Afghan was picked up by the Thunder after impressing with his performances in Australia during the T20 World Cup.
He had been signed to a nine-game deal as a replacement for the Thunder’s top draft pick David Willey, who withdrew from the tournament in mid-November.
