The Australian allrounder was the focus of the media spotlight on Tuesday morning after posting a picture of himself with housemate Rob Jubbs along with the caption "“Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!)
James Faulkner has clarified a social media message in which he had appeared to come out as gay, saying there has been a "misunderstanding".
The Australian allrounder was the focus of the media spotlight on Tuesday morning after posting a picture of himself with housemate Rob Jubbs along with the caption "Birthday dinner with the boyfriend @robjubbsta and my mother @roslyn_carol_faulkner #togetherfor5years."
Faulkner was congratulated by numerous teammates and the wider LGBQT community before issuing a second post, explaining that he and Jubbs are not a couple. He had earlier amended his first post to insert "(best mate!!!)" after Jubbs' Instagram handle.
"There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night," he wrote.
"I am not gay, however it has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let’s never forget love is love, however @robjubbsta is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates! Good on everyone for being so supportive."
Faulkner has been criticised by some who believe him to have made a joke of the process of coming out with his initial message.
However, in a statement Cricket Australia emphasised that the player's post "was not in any way meant to make light of this".
"His comment was made as a genuine reflection of his relationship with his business partner, best friend and house mate of five years," it read. "He was not contacted for clarification before some outlets reported his Instagram post as an announcement of a homosexual relationship.
"James and CA are supportive of the LGBQTI community and recognises coming out can be an incredibly emotional time. The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive.
"Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence."
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