The BCCI has declared that both David Warner and Steven Smith will not be allowed to play for IPL 2018. According to BCCI officials, the Cricket Australia (CA) has banned them. It was done because of their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal during the Cape Town Test against South Africa. There is no way for the IPL franchises to accommodate them in IPL 2018.

According to BCCI, any player banned by his host body cannot be a part of the IPL. The parent team Cricket Australia banned them so they will be automatically out of the IPL. BCCI cleared its point by giving the example of Andre Russell who had to skip the IPL as he was caught violating doping clauses.

Amitabh Chaudhary BCCI acting secretary also confirmed that both Smith and Warner are not eligible to play in the IPL 2018.

Actions taken by ICC

ICC did not allow Smith to play in the fourth Test at Johannesburg and took his entire match fee. Bancroft who was caught on camera to use sandpaper on one side of the ball is charged 75% fine and three demerit points by ICC. Bancroft was found rubbing the ball with the dirtied tape and also concealing all the evidence down in the front of his trousers.

Both were found taking unfair advantage in the match which was not at all acceptable by the cricket fans. Both Smith and Bancroft revealed their plotting which was done in a lunch-time discussion with the support of Australia’s ‘leadership group‘.

Cricket Australia’s is still investigating into the ball-tampering case for the third Test of Australia played against South Africa.

Cricket Australia (CA) CEO James Sutherland announced their own punishment

James Sutherland, the CEO of Cricket Australia (CA) announced their own punishment of sending them back home from South Africa along with David Warner who was a part of the leadership group for Australia. Their replacements are supposed to come on Wednesday in South Africa.

According to Sutherland, the Australian team can save the series by winning the contest led by Tim Paine in the one Test match at Johannesburg. He said that it is not the best example for others and is very important for them to rectify this blunder. He further added that, “The spirit of cricket is severely important and it is the duty of every player to maintain the spirit of the game.”

The final Test of Australia’s team to South Africa begins on March 30. Smith who was the Australian captain was chosen to lead his franchise Rajasthan Royals which was supposed to make a return after two years. But due to his involvement in the illegal activity, he has been replaced with Ajinkya Rahane to lead the team. Darren Lehmann who is the coach of the Cricket Australia was found not involved in the case and will continue as the coach of the team.

These punishments against all three were announced based on previous investigations done against them. In order to preserve the reputation and integrity of the country, all relevant issues will be examined in the investigation.

Rajasthan Royals official statement

Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket released an official statement. He says that “The incident in Cape Town has no doubt disturbed the entire cricket world”. He further says that he has been in Continous touch with the BCCI and took their counseling by regularly contacting Steve.

Because of the ball tampering case, it would require a huge amount of time for Cricket Australia to regain their reputation. Winning is very much important but it should not be done at the cost of the rules.