Rajasthan Royals made it clear they will not tolerate any unfair action that brings disrepute to the game and said the franchise would wait for instructions from BCCI before taking a call on Steve Smith, who was today handed a one-match ban by ICC for his role in a ball tempering scandal.
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We have been made aware of the controversy of ball tampering in the ongoing Australia – South Africa series and await further instructions from BCCI, before we make any announcement,” said Ranjit Barthakur, Executive Chairman of Rajasthan Royals in a statement.
“We at Rajasthan Royals will not tolerate any actions that are unfair by definition and bring disrepute to the game of cricket. Our Zero tolerance policy applies to everyone in our team. Please bear with us.”
Australian captain Steve Smith was handed one match suspension by ICC. The 28 years old has also been fined 100% of his match fee by the ICC. Smith has accepted the charge and will miss the fourth Test against South Africa.
Australia’s players were roasted after captain Smith, who had initially refused to quit his captaincy, was forced to step down. Vice captain David Warner was also made to step down for rest of the third Test.
Strict action taken against Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft by ICC. Reports: https://t.co/63u56s9JgS pic.twitter.com/UXonPF4Mc9
— Digitalsporty.com (@digitalsporty) March 25, 2018
It was opener Cameron Bancroft who was caught on camera, taking a yellow object (sandpiper to scruff up one side of the ball to aid reverse swing) out of his pocket while fielding in the post-lunch session and appearing to rub it on the ball before putting the material into his trousers in an attempt to hide it.
The opening batsman was later charged with an attempt to change the condition of the ball and fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points by ICC.
The sacking of Smith may open doors for India’s test regular Ajinkya Rahane to lead Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
(PTI Feed)
