CA, Faulkner clarify Instagram post

James Faulkner has clarified an Instagram post that led multiple media outlets to incorrectly report he had announced he’s in a same-sex relationship.

An Instagram post on Monday showed Faulkner celebrating his 29th birthday with his mother and who Faulkner labelled “the boyfriend”, Rob Jubb, with the cricketer adding the hashtag #togetherfor5years. He later edited the post to add “(best mate!!!)” in reference to Jubb.

The post sparked several news articles in major online publications in Australia and around the world, which reported the Tasmanian was the first Australian professional cricketer to reveal publicly that he’s in a same-sex relationship.

But on Tuesday morning, Faulkner clarified that he and Jubb are business partners and close friends, but not in a relationship.

Faulkner posted: "There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night, 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."

In a statement, Cricket Australia apologised for any unintended offence.

"Cricket Australia does not consider the social commentary this morning from James Faulkner to be a joke, nor does James," said CA spokesperson Karina Keisler.

"His comment was made as a genuine reflection of his relationship with his business partner, best friend and housemate of five years. 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, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive.

"Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence."