England women’s captain Heather Knight handed suspended fine over 2012 social media post
England women’s captain Heather Knight has been issued a suspended 1,000 pounds fine over a social media post from 2012. The star cricketer was fined after she admitted to a charge over the 12-year-old post.
As per a report in Reuters, Knight was pictured in blackface in the 2012 social media post when she attended a fancy dress party at a cricket club in Kent. The report added that the picture was found offensive and in breach of ECB directive 3.3, over “acts or omission prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring cricket/cricketers into disrepute."
Knight was 21 at the time when the incident took place and has issued an apology over the same. In a statement issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), she said that there was no ill intent behind her actions.
“I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012. It was wrong, and I have long regretted it. Back then, I simply was not as educated as to the implications and consequences of my actions as I have become since. There was no ill intent meant," the official statement issued by ECB on behalf of Knight read.
“While I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game, ensuring under-represented groups are afforded the same opportunities and fulfillment within the game as I have,” the 33-year-old added.
One of the biggest stars of women's cricket, Knight has represented England in 12 Tests, 143 ODIs and 119 T20Is, scoring 803, 3,913 and 2,067 runs respectively. With her off-spin, she has picked up 84 international scalps.
Heather Knight will lead England in the 2024 T20 Women's World Cup
Skipper Knight will lead England in the upcoming edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 3 to October 20.
Spinner Linsey Smith, pace bowler Lauren Bell, all-rounder Dani Gibson and keeper-batter Bess Heath find a place in the 15-member squad, while experienced opener Tammy Beaumont has been left out, along with seamer Kate Cross.
England squad for 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (wk), Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Bess Heath, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith