Ollie Robinson clear for international return following ECB probe into historic offensive tweets

England and Sussex pacer Ollie Robinson has been allowed to resume international cricket as England Cricket Board’s probe has come to a close. The pacer was suspended from international cricket pending the board’s investigation over his offensive tweets that had resurfaced during his Test debut at Lord’s against New Zealand in June 2021.

The ECB’s disciplinary committee has handed Robinson an eight-match ban, five of which are suspended for two years, for his offensive and sexist tweets as a teenager. Three of those matches have been served already and it is learned that he can resume playing immediately, although he has been slapped a £3,200 fine in addition.

Notably, the 27-year-old pacer had a stellar debut last month as he ended up bagging seven wickets in the entire fixture and also added 42 with the bat. Upon the resurfacing of his controversial tweets, he was immediately released by the ECB from the team bubble and did not feature in the second fixture of the two-match series held at Edgbaston.

Robinson, who was permitted to join Sussex after being asked to leave his international duty, later announced that he would be taking a break from Sussex. The ECB panel’s decision comes as a massive relief for him and he is understood to be available for selection for the upcoming Test series against India in August-September.

“We accept the decisions made by the Cricket Discipline Commission and the sanctions they have imposed. “We stand against discrimination of all forms, and will continue working to ensure cricket is a welcoming and inclusive sport for all.” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said.

Robinson free to play immediately: ECB release

“A Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) Panel today announced its decision in relation to two charges brought against Ollie Robinson,” the ECB said in a statement.

“Robinson had previously admitted breaching ECB Directives 3.3 and 3.4 in relation to a number of offensive tweets which were posted between 2012 and 2014, when he was aged between 18 and 20. The tweets came to light on 2 June 2021, which was also the first day of his first Test match for England.

“Following a hearing on 30 June, the Panel decided that Robinson should be suspended from playing cricket for eight matches, five of which will be suspended for two years.”

“As regards the three matches which are the subject of immediate suspension, the Panel has taken into account the suspension imposed by the England Team from the second LV= Insurance Men’s Test against New Zealand, together with two of the Vitality Blast T20 matches from which Robinson voluntarily withdrew himself from selection for Sussex CCC due to the impact of these proceedings. Robinson is therefore free to play cricket immediately.”