WARNER TENDERS APOLOGY

It's a stain on the game, I apologise for my part: Warner

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

David Warner tendered an apology on Twitter on Thursday morning. © AFP

A day after Cricket Australia (CA) handed one-year bans to Steven Smith and David Warner after they were implicated in the ball tampering saga, the left-handed opening batsman tendered an apology for his role in the act that caused a 'stain on the game' of cricket. In his first public statement following the controversy, Warner, on Thursday (March 29), apologised to the cricket fans for the distress caused by his actions.

"To cricket fans in Australia and all over the world: I am currently on my way back to Sydney. Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it. I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans.

"It's a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy. I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisers. You will hear from me in a few days," said Warner in a statement that he shared on Twitter.

Australian cricket has been reeling from the after effects of the ball-tampering row which started when Cameron Bancroft's attempts at scuffing up the ball with a sandpaper was caught on cameras during the Newlands Test. Captain Smith later revealed that this was a premeditated ploy concocted by the 'leadership group' and following investigations from Cricket Australia, it was established that Warner too was part of the group.

Apart from the 12-month ban from international and state cricket, Warner and Smith were both banned from playing in the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League while Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban.

Financial casualties followed in the aftermath of the controversy, with naming rights sponsor Magellan snapping ties with Cricket Australia while Warner's personal sponsor LG deciding to end the association. Sportswear company Asics also announced that it would terminate alliances with Warner and Bancroft while Smith was removed as the sporting ambassador of Commonwealth Bank and Sanitarium - the owner of breakfast cereal Weet- Bix which the Australia captain endorsed.

© Cricbuzz

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