Steven Smith and David Warner have been handed a suspension for a period of 12 months each by Cricket Australia for their involvement in the ball-tampering fiasco on the third day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. Cameron Bancroft, who was actually caught tampering the ball, has been suspended for nine months. Apart from the suspensions, both Smith and Warner have been suspended from leading Australia for a period of two years.
As per the reports of cricket.com.au, according to CA’s code of behavior, all the sanctioned cricketers are well within the rights of challenging the verdicts and also the duration of their sanctions through a CA code of behavior hearing with the help of an independent lawyer, who can also choose whether the hearing is public or private.
Also read: Former Cricketers Comes Hard On Steve Smith and His Leadership group
Steve Smith is expected to depart to Australia on Wednesday and he will address the media upon his arrival home in Sydney. Yesterday, CA chief executive James Sutherland revealed the trio of Smith, Warner, and Bancroft were the only players responsible for the huge misconduct as none of the players or the support staff had any knowledge of the plan to intentionally tamper the cricket ball.
BREAKING: Tampering trio reportedly learn their fate: https://t.co/bvyMq9tGvt pic.twitter.com/tARzN26bIb
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 28, 2018
Smith, Warner, and Bancroft were found to have breached article 2.3.5 of the CA Code of Conduct, which is directly related to being found guilty of any act which is against the spirit of the game, unbecoming of a spokesperson, harmful to the interests of the game, or bringing the game into disgrace.
Also read: Lehmann Gets Green Signal, Smith, Warner and Bancroft Sent Back To Australia
Mr. Sutherland also showed support for ICC Chief Executive Officer David Richardson’s comments on Sunday about the dying need of improving the standards of behavior across the boards.
Here are some reactions from some Twitter users after the announcement of the ban:
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
Completely agree with the punishments been given out to Smith, Warner and Bancroft, at the end of the day it’s cheating and undermines the character of the sport, sets no example to following generations especially from such well respected and talented crickets as themselves.
— niamh (@nfrancesx) March 28, 2018
I must admit 12 months is a very harsh ban. 6 months I thought was right but clearly this reflects the uproar in Australia. It means they miss the India series and have little time to get ready for the World Cup
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 28, 2018
No place in the IPL for Smith and Warner
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 28, 2018
Whoa…12 months ban for both Smith and Warner. Don’t see either of them playing in the IPL too. #SandpaperGate
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 28, 2018
