Qaasim Adams, a South African provincial cricketer, has been suspended following an incident allegedly involving a firearm. The Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) found Adams guilty of bringing the game into disrepute following the incident, suspending him for 12 playing days from provincial cricket.
The alleged incident took place on the evening of the second day of a match between Western Province and South Western Districts in November. According to a report by Club Cricket SA, Adams allegedly brandished a gun at team-mate Givon Christian. It has also been reported that Adams may only have produced the alleged weapon as a joke, and that there were several other team-mates present. The official statement released by WPCA makes no mention of a firearm. Christian reported the incident upon the team's return to Cape Town, prompting the disciplinary process conducted by WPCA.
That process was concluded when all the parties involved entered into a plea and sanction agreement in the terms of which Adams admitted to contravening the spirit of the game and bringing the game into disrepute.
WPCA chief executive Nabeal Dien said that no tangible evidence existed, but once the WPCA became aware of the incident, a process was put in place to deal with it. The subsequent ban does not extend to club cricket, and Adams will be able to turn out for United Cricket Club in the WPCA first division A league while under suspension. No official written complaint was lodged with the WPCA.
"We have high regards for the spirit, standard and codes of excellence of cricket and this has been transgressed by Adams. We therefore decided to invoke a 12-day suspension as his actions were contrary to the spirit of the game," Nabeal Dien, chief executive officer of the WPCA, said.
"Players should respect the laws, regulations and standards and should carry themselves with dignity in their interpersonal relationship and team culture," WPCA cricket services manager Clinton du Preez said. "In this case, Qaasim's conduct was contrary to the spirit of the game and the disciplinary action taken was necessary."
Christian, Adams' Western Province team-mate, said he was happy to forgive Adams and move on. "I am happy with the way the WPCA has dealt with the matter and they were very supportive and helpful throughout," Christian said in a statement issued by WPCA. "I am pleased the matter is settled so we can both move on."
Adams will miss Western Province's upcoming games against KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and North West, but will be eligible to play again in late February. Whether Adams will continue his first-class career is uncertain, however, and his UK-based agent told TimesLIVE that Adams would pursue a professional club contract in England and is contemplating a move into coaching.
Adams, 34, has played 82 first-class matches, also playing for Cape Cobras, Titans and Lions in a career spanning over a decade. Adams was also picked for South Africa A in January 2016, playing against the touring England team. He was also part of the A squad that toured Zimbabwe and Australia in July and August 2016. He scored 108 and 45 in what may turn out to be his last first-class game for Western Province.