Finally, Cricket Australia has come up with the decision against the players involved in the ball tampering incident.
The former captain and vice-captain of Australia, Steven Smith, and David Warner have been banned by Cricket Australia for a period of twelve months. While the player who did the ball tampering, Cameron Bancroft has been banned for a period of nine months.
The ban will be removed on 27th March 2019 for the two Australian Players. While Bancroft will be banned until 27th December 2018. This means they will be available for playing in the World Cup starting next year from 30th May 2019.
What Led To The Ban On The Two Players?
The two players were involved in the premeditated planning to tamper with the ball on the third day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. The main player, Cameron Bancroft, who was supposed to tamper with the ball during the match will also face a ban for a period of nine months. Ban due to ‘ball tampering’ has happened for the first time in the 141 years of Cricket history!
How Did The Incident Take Place?
Till now, David Warner is being viewed as the key player in the whole ‘tampering with the ball’ incident. The incident that took place was captured by the TV cameras. A tiny, yellow object was observed in Bancroft’s hands after he worked on the ball. This yellow object was later on revealed to be an adhesive tape with small soil particles on it. When the issue was looked into, in detail, the Australian fielder was also caught by the camera taking out a tape from his pocket and placing it down his trousers.
Penalties On The Players
The two players will be given equal rights to have a say in the matter and challenge their verdicts, as well as the the penalties duration that has been set for them via a CA code of behavior hearing with an independent commissioner, who will be choosing if the hearing of the matter will be a private or a public affair. The official announcement for the penalties of all the three players is expected to be released out soon. Smith will be departing for Australia today will speak on the issue publicly in Sydney upon his arrival.
Axed From Playing In IPL
This incident has had major consequences. The two players won’t be able to play in IPL 11. It has led to Warner stepping down from his Captaincy In the IPL franchise- Sunrisers Hyderabad. Smith too, has already resigned from his Captaincy post this Monday.
K Shanmugam, the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, was heard saying, “In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad”. He also mentioned that the franchise will be announcing their new captain soon. But one match suspension from ICC has been criticized by many former players for being biased on the punishments. Are you a Cricket fan? Wish to read more on Cricket? Click here to have a look at another one of the cricket stories. Also, check the ball tampering incidents which happened in the past.