Big Ant Studios have officially delayed the release of the upcoming video game, Cricket 22.
The latest instalment in the Melbourne-based company's line of cricket video games - playable on Xbox, Play Station or a desktop computer - was due to have now stood down Australian captain Tim Paine on the cover. He was set to be joined by current Australian women's captain Meg Lanning.
However, following the revelation that Paine was involved in an off-field sexting scandal, he will be removed from the cover, according to a Nine News report.
Paine is still fighting to retain his place in the side as Australia's wicket-keeper, having made his return from injury this week for a Tasmania Second XI, and being set to play for Australia against Australia A in a lead-up match next week.
Lanning will still take her place on the cover alongside a yet to be confirmed male player, however, it's tipped that Pat Cummins - as current vice-captain - will take his place.
Ross Symons, CEO of Big Ant, told the publication that the game typically has the captains on the front. He refused to confirm who would take Paine's place.
"The covers of our games have traditionally shown, with equal prominence, the men's and women's Australian captains," Mr Symons told 9News.
"As Tim has resigned his captaincy, the Cricket 22 cover will be changed on all digital storefronts.
"For those that have purchased a retail version of Cricket 22, we will be providing a digital copy of the new cover, enabling them to print a new replacement cover at home if they wish."
The game was originally supposed to be released on Thursday, however, the new date is yet to be confirmed.
It's understood the new cover - which Big Ant are currently rapidly producing - will be released in the coming days with the game to follow soon afterwards.
