Following the public outcry over the recent ball-tampering saga, Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday has suspended Steven Smith and David Warner from the competitive cricket for one year each.
However, the ball-tamperer Cameron Bancroft will stay out of the cricketing field for nine months.
So much so, the statement maintained both are being banned from the captaincy post for the period of two years.
Subsequently, Smith and Warner will miss out the eleventh edition of the IPL. The latest statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed.
The Board has been investigating the brazen incident since March 24 when Bancroft was caught on TV camera while altering the condition of the ball during third day’s play of the penultimate Test.
With this verdict, CA has answered all its burning questions when it took a hit owing to the spirit of the game.
Moreover, while banning the skipper and his deputy, the Australian board has sent out a strong message to the world cricket, but it has been somewhat unjustified while considering the deliberate mistake.
The Twittersphere had registered mixed reactions over the sanctions from Cricket Australia. Some termed the decision ‘harsh’ upon players and some went on to defend the verdict of its board.
Earlier, on March 27, the Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has made clear by saying the justice will be served. However, the CA chairman David Peever maintained it was more than the technical offence.
Smith stepped down from his captaincy post which saw wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine being handed an opportunity to lead the side in South Africa.
Prominent batsman further decided to stand down from the post of captaincy for Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals.
Moreover, the 31-year-old Warner also stood down as his deputy before deciding not to lead IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Considering the latest development, the trio could feature in the grade-level cricket. The players also won’t be entertained to be available for their respective state sides.
To clarify it further, the players are barred to feature in the CA sponsored events which include burgeoning T20 league like the Big Bash League (BBL)
Interestingly, it is yet to be clarified whose idea was it to tamper the ball with sticky tape.
Recently, Smith also tendered the public apology alongside Bancroft when both admitted the folly.
Here’s how the Twitter world has reacted after the verdict from Cricket Australia broke the internet:
12 months ban is very harsh and insane. No one ever missed more than two matches due to ball tampering and there are players – Faf and Akhtar- who have been caught tampering twice. #BallTamperingRow
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 28, 2018
I’ve woken up this morning actually gutted for Smith, Warner & Bancroft.
Yes they were involved and will be sanctioned but I’m afraid they weren’t the only ones(& I don’t think anyone else believes they were)…
I hope they get a fair trial.
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) March 28, 2018
BREAKING II:
Word is Smith and Warner out for 12 months
Bancroft out for 9 months.
First two back for World Cup then Ashes. Bancroft can play summer.
— Peter Lalor (@plalor) March 28, 2018
Atherton (94) – fined $3,700
Younis (00) – 1 match
Dravid (04) – 50% match fee
Afridi (10) – 2 T20 matches
Du Plessis (13) – 50% match fee
Du Plessis (16) – 100% match fee
Smith, Warner (18) – 12 months (Bancroft 9 months)
And Lehman survives? I’m genuinely staggered.
— Ian Higgins (@1an_Higgins) March 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/978910509238861829
So Steve Smith and David Warner will miss India series which is scheduled to happen in 2019 summer in Australia…
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 28, 2018
So with the one year ban on Smith and Warner and also a 2 year captaincy ban on both, think India will be favourites when they tour Australia later this year. Wonder, who will captain Australia at the World Cup. Aaron Finch ?
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 28, 2018
We can see Steve Smith and David Warner again in Australian Jersey in 2019 World Cup…
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 28, 2018
STEVEN SMITH and DAVID WARNER will NOT play #IPL2018: Amitabh Choudhary, BCCI Acting Secretary#SandpaperGate #IPL2018 #AussieCheats
— Akhil Gupta ? (@Guptastats92) March 28, 2018
What is pre-planned and unplanned ball tampering? Are you telling me Faf's pants grew a zipper after he took field? And the lolly was brought in drinks break? https://t.co/2iCHPe5aqa
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 28, 2018
No place in the IPL for Smith and Warner
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 28, 2018
Smith's mistake is he came out clean. Had he denied, like the players in the past did, only Bancroft would have been fined. Feeling sorry for both Smith and Warner. Cricket for at least 12 months will be without two great players. #BallTamperingRow
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 28, 2018
12 months ban to clean the image!
After couple of months, an appeal will be made and this will get reduced to half or less. – Mark my words#SandpaperGate #AussieCheats #DavidWarner #SteveSmith #Bancroft
— This account shares best tweets (@bestandlatest) March 28, 2018
#DavidWarner #SteveSmith pic.twitter.com/FSoqra1rbf
— Vicky Sri (@VickySri96) March 28, 2018
The franchises will get replacements for the players as #DavidWarner and #SteveSmith will not be allowed to play this year, says IPL Chairman @ShuklaRajiv (ANI)#SandpaperGate #IPL2018 #AussieCheats
— Akhil Gupta ? (@Guptastats92) March 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/BLUE_LOTUS__/status/978924277910007808
Here’s the newsfeed:
SA vs AUS 2018: Internet Goes Wild as Steven Smith, David Warner and Bancroft Set to Fly Back Home
Australia’s Smith, Warner, Bancroft suspended from Johannesburg Test