What?! Convicted rapist cricketer allowed to play in Australia

The arrest, conviction, and a ten-year ban on playing in England haven't ended the career of cricketer Alex Hepburn, who, despite these factors, remains in professional cricket.

Details: According to the Daily Mail, the 28-year-old cricketer will continue his career in Western Australia. The local association has confirmed Hepburn's agreement to join the Willeton Dragons, and he will play for them. This comes despite the fact that he is serving a ten-year ban in England since being released in October 2021.

Australian authorities have stated that they do not recognize the authority of British bodies over their decisions, which allows them to determine whether to admit or exclude a player based on their own systems and rules aimed at player protection.

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Recall: In November 2017, Hepburn was charged with raping a sleeping woman, and in April 2019, he was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. He served half of that term and was released in October 2021.

In September 2024, he was banned from playing cricket in England and Wales until October 2031, with the governing body citing Hepburn's failure to comply with two directives from the England and Wales Cricket Board. In addition to the ban, he was required to undergo treatment for the issues that led to his incarceration and to complete educational courses before returning to cricket.