Sydney Thunder star Fazalhaq Farooqi has been sacked following allegations of harassment towards women’s cricket staff.
Thunder players told a meeting on Friday that Farooqi was being sent home to Afghanistan following an investigation by Cricket Australia’s Integrity Unit.
But despite being offered counselling, colleagues were not told exactly why the 22-year-old had been given his marching orders.
News Corp reported that the matter has not gone to the police and that officials are not disclosing details of the alleged behavior due to confidentiality clauses surrounding those involved.
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The Thunder terminated Farooqi’s contract on Friday with immediate effect after Cricket Australia investigated a December 15 incident.
“Breaking news Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has been a star for the Thunder through the first four games of the Big Bash, has been released from his contract with immediate effect,” 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 Cricket Australia’s code of conduct commissioner has ruled that he breached Cricket Australia’s code of conduct.
“He has been released from his contract with immediate effect so there are only four games.
“Here are some quotes from Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon: “The behaviors displayed by Fazalhaq Farooqi are outside our values. It was determined that his contract would be terminated. Our aim now is to provide the necessary support to those affected by this incident.”
“In accordance with the terms of the Integrity Unit’s investigation, no further comment will be made and there will be no word yet on a potential replacement.”
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Fazalhaq Farooqi has terminated his contract with the Thunder. Source: Getty Images
Cricket Australia released a brief statement about the termination of the contract.
“Sydney Thunder have terminated the contract of Fazalhaq Farooqi, a move supported by Cricket Australia,” CA said in a statement.
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“The club referred a matter that happened last Thursday to Cricket Australia’s Integrity Unit for investigation. Following that investigation and a subsequent hearing and decision 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 games for the Thunder between the incident and today’s announcement that his contract would be terminated.
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Last Friday, the day after the incident, the Thunder made global headlines when the Adelaide Strikers bowled them out for 15, with Farooqi contributing one and being the not out batsman when the innings ended in the sixth . He had previously made 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 signed a nine-game deal as a replacement for Thunder top draft pick David Willey, who retired from the tournament in mid-November.