Former Australian skipper Tim Paine is officially returning the top level of cricket in Australia – and at the same organization where he was embroiled in a sexting scandal that ruined his international career.
Paine is training with Tasmania’s state squad as an uncontracted player as he plots a return for the first time since losing the Test captaincy in a sexting controversy.
The 37-year-old took time away from the sport after standing down as Test skipper in November last year.
Tasmania’s first outing this summer is a one-dayer on September 28 against South Australia but Paine is aiming to return in club ranks.
Cricket Tasmania’s grade competition, the Premier League, starts in early October.
Tasmania’s opening Sheffield Shield game begins on October 6.
“We can confirm that Tim has returned to training with the aim at this stage to play in the CTPL this season,” a Cricket Tasmania spokesperson said.
The governing body declined further comment but Paine has another powerful ally in fellow Tasmanian and ex-Test skipper Ricky Ponting.
Ponting, recently appointed as head of strategy for Hobart Hurricanes, has openly stated his desire for Paine to again play for the BBL franchise.
Meezan 
Anamika 
Harsh