Cricket Australia Not To Lift Ban on Smith, Warner and Bancroft

Cricket Australia (CA) are against the lifting of the bans imposed on the trio of cricketers – Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

All the three players were involved in a ball-tampering saga in the month of March this year. While Smith and Warner were handed a one-year ban, Bancroft’s suspension was for nine months.

However recently Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has raised their voice against this judgement. They have pushed the board to either lift the bans or allow them to play domestic cricket.

A seven-person board from CA discussed via a phone hook-up on Monday and Tuesday. They ultimately decided to reject the recommendations of ACA and hence the bans remained.

Through a statement CA announced that the decisions were made after thorough considerations. This made everything clear that the decision will not be altered soon.

“The original decision of the Board to sanction the players was determined after rigorous discussion and consideration. CA maintains that both the length and nature of the sanctions remain an appropriate response in light of the considerable impact on the reputation of Australian cricket, here and abroad,” a statement said as per reports in cricket.com.au.

“Steve, David and Cameron are working hard to demonstrate their commitment to cricket and have our continued support to ensure their pathway to return is as smooth as possible,” it further read.

This meant that Smith and Warner will have to wait until 29 March 2019 to play domestic and international cricket. Bancroft would play for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL) after his ban lifts on 29 December 2018.