Expressing his disappointment over the ball-tampering scandal, former Australia skipper Kim Hughes has opined Cricket Australia (CA) should impose a lengthy suspension on disgraced captain Steve Smith.
Smith has already been banned for one Test by the ICC. On the other hand, Cameron Bancroft, who tried to change the condition of the ball, copped three demerit points and a 75 percent match fee deduction. Smith had also stood down as the Test skipper for the remainder of the third Test. David Warner had also followed suit and stood down as vice-captain.
Cricket Australia is carrying on its internal investigation and reports are suggesting that the players are in for harsher punishments. Media reports are suggesting that Smith and Warner are likely to receive 12-month bans.
“The captain takes full responsibility and this was a pre-meditated tactic by the captain and whomever else,” he told Cricbuzz. “It was disgraceful and cricket will pay a big price with Cricket Australia in the midst of negotiating a new television deal. The image of the Baggy Green has been tarnished.”
The former player said that a lengthy ban would be beneficial for the players. He feels that it would allow them to stay away from the spotlight.
“A 12-month ban would be good for the players and give them a chance to get away and stay away from all of this,” he said. “If the investigation reveals there are only two or three of them caught up in it, then bridges could be broken (with the playing group).”
Hughes is also hopeful that the current scandal would embark a new chapter in the game.
“Hopefully this is a watershed moment for cricket,” he said. “The umpires have been poor for a while and it’s time for them to take control of the game.”
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