Ball Tampering Row - Steve Smith and David Warner Banned for one year,Cameron Bancroft for 9 months

Australia skipper Steve Smith and senior batsman David Warner were Wednesday banned from top-level cricket for a year over a cheating scandal that has rocked the sport and dragged their side’s reputation through the mud. A statement from Cricket Australia (CA) said Smith and Warner had been suspended from “all international and domestic cricket” while opening batsman Cameron Bancroft has been banned for nine months over the ball-tampering incident during the third Test in South Africa

“Steve Smith: suspension of 12 months from all international and domestic cricket.

David Warner: suspension of 12 months from all international and domestic cricket.

Cameron Bancroft: suspension of 9 months from all international and domestic cricket,” the CA statement read.

All three players will, however, be permitted to play club cricket “to maintain links with the cricket community.”

As per the CA code of conduct, Smith has been found guilty of having knowledge of a potential plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball; failure to take steps to seek to prevent the development and implementation of that plan; and directing that evidence of attempted tampering be concealed on the field of play, among other things.

Smith had also been charged for “seeking to mislead Match Officials and others regarding Bancroft’s attempts to artificially alter the condition of the ball; and misleading public comments regarding the nature, extent and participants of the plan.”

“In addition, all three players will be required to undertake 100 hours of voluntary service in community cricket.”

CA said Smith and Bancroft will not be considered for team leadership positions until one year after the end of their ban, while Warner will never be an option for captaincy role.

“Any consideration of future leadership would be conditional on acceptance by fans and the public, form and authority among the playing group. David Warner will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future.”

CA Chairman David Peever said the rather stringent penalties are a reflection of Australia’s current outrage at the actions of the players.

“These are significant penalties for professional players and the Board does not impose them lightly. It is hoped that following a period of suspension, the players will be able to return to playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers,” he said.

CA CEO James Sutherland echoed the sentiment.

“I am satisfied that the sanctions in this case properly reflect a balance between the need to protect the integrity and reputation of the game and the need to maintain the possibility of redemption for the individuals involved, all of whom have learned difficult lessons through these events,” he said.