Steve Smith steps down as Rajasthan Royals captain over ball-tampering scandal

NewsBharati    27-Mar-2018
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New Delhi, March 27: Australian skipper Steve Smith on Monday stepped down from his position of the captain of the Rajasthan Royals team. Notably, the move comes three days after Australian skipper Steve Smith admitted the coward act of ball tampering during the third day of the third Test against South Africa.

 

Steve Smith has been replaced by Indian opener Ajinkya Rahane as a captain of Rajasthan Royals. The Indian Premier League franchise, which is making a comeback in the league after serving a two-year ban, confirmed the news in a statement.

Rajasthan Royals' Head of Cricket, Zubin Bharucha said, "The incident in Cape Town has certainly disturbed the cricketing world. We have been in constant touch with the BCCI and taken their counsel. Furthermore we have been in regular contact with Steve.”

“Steve believes given the current circumstances and it's in the best interest of the Rajasthan Royals that he steps down as captain so the team can get ready for the start of the IPL without the ongoing distractions,” he added. Zubin in a statement further added that he would like to extend his gratitude to the BCCI officials and all the fans in India for their constant support.

Speaking at the announcement of the new captain, Bharucha added, “Ajinkya Rahane has been an integral part of the Royals family for a long time now and he understands the culture and values of our team. We have absolutely no doubt that he will be a great leader of the Rajasthan Royals.”

“Rajasthan Royals will do everything possible to protect the values and the integrity of the game. We agree with Steve’s decision to step down as captain, and we are fortunate to have such a capable successor with Ajinkya Rahane. It is important that all cricket fans retain a balanced perspective on the situation. What happened in South Africa was clearly wrong, especially given that it appears to have been pre-meditated. That said, this will be a difficult time for Steve as well, given how much he cares about the game.” said Manoj Badale, the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals.


On March 24, Australian player Cameron Bancroft and skipper Steve Smith admitted tampering of a ball during the third day of the third Test against South Africa. Steve Smith said, "We made a poor choice. We deeply regret our actions. Coaches weren't involved. It was purely the players in the leadership group.” "I can promise you it won't happen again. It's the first time this has happened,” he added.

Importantly, during the play a ball was thrown to Cameron Bancroft, television footage showed Bancroft take an object out of his pocket before rubbing the ball, then putting something back in his pocket. After footage of the incident was broadcast, a message appeared to be sent out to him on the field. He put the tape down the front of his trousers before being spoken to by on-field umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth. However, at that time he turned out his pockets, revealing only a black cloth. The field umpires did not change the ball.