Pat Cummins replaces Tim Paine on the digital cover of Cricket 22 game

Pat Cummins has officially replaced Tim Paine on the digital cover of Cricket 22- the official video game of the Ashes. The development comes after an incident from 2017 where Paine sent inappropriate and graphic images to a female co-worker surfaced recently. Paine, however, will continue featuring on the printed physical copies of the video game.

Amidst the controversy surrounding Paine, the official release date of the video game had to be pushed by a week to Thursday, December 2. On Tuesday, November 23, Big Ant Studios released the updated cover of the digital versions, featuring fast bowler Cummins and batter Meg Lanning, the captain of the Australian women’s cricket team.

Big Ant CEO opines of removing Tim Paine

“Factors beyond our control have meant that we need to update the game’s cover art, other visuals and team lists. There was a critical day 1 patch that players will need to enjoy the full Cricket 22 experience that has consequently needed to be revoked,” Ross Symons, the Big Ant Chief Executive Officer, was quoted as saying in cricket.com.au.

“This is the first time Big Ant Studios have ever had to delay a game release but we find ourselves in an unprecedented position,” he stated.

“Everyone at Big Ant Studios would like to thank our fans and supporters for understanding our need to do this, ensuring the game is as full and authentic a cricket experience as possible,” the CEO added.

Pat Cummins has officially replaced Tim Paine, on the updated digital cover of Big Ant's Cricket 22 gamehttps://t.co/nSpvTiuoWz pic.twitter.com/bCJEgJTbsR

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 23, 2021

Paine has already stepped down as the skipper of the Australian men’s Test team following the controversial occurring with the female staffer. Cricket Australia also accepted his resignation. In a press-conference, recently, Paine broke down and apologised to his fans for the happening four years ago.

Cummins, on the other hand, was picked as Australia’s vice-captain for the Ashes with Paine as their skipper. However, with Paine stepping down, Cummins has been reported to being a front-runner for the role.

Paine, in the meantime, has made himself available for selection in the Ashes. The high-profile five-match Test series is set to get underway on December 8 with the opening Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.