‘It’s Tough To Earn That Respect Back’, Says Cameron Bancroft After Getting Banned For 9 Months

This incident has certainly put Cricket Australia in a state of jeopardy, with the Cricket World Cup, just a year away

By: Ankit Banerjee |
March 29, 2018 2:04 pm

Ball-tampering protagonist Cameron Bancroft has finally broken his silence over the incident and has said ‘sorry’ for it. Bancroft has already been handed a nine-month suspension by Cricket Australia, which seems harsh for the 25-year-old, who was just following orders. Here are the key takeaways from what he said in his press conference:

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Banned Test opener Cameron Bancroft has admitted he “lied and panicked” on that fateful day in Cape Town, acknowledging he will now live a lifetime of regret | @samuelfez https://t.co/tq81qANZm0

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018

I lied about the sandpaper.. I panicked.. & I am very sorry.
I love the game of cricket and playing for my nation and my state. There’s no greater pride for me.
I’m extremely disappointed and regret my actions, I’m sorry to those people who have looked up to me in the cricket world and especially the kids.
I know I’m a role model but haven’t acted like one in this instance. I understand I have let many people down and I understand the disappointment in the community.
It’s so big because the action of doing it is completely wrong. For me to carry that out in front of world cricket and to be seen breaking the laws of the game, not playing within the spirit of the game, it’s completely how cricket shouldn’t be played.
I have never ever been involved in tampering with the ball (before now) and it clearly compromises my values and what I stand for as a player and as a person.
The thing that breaks my heart the most is that I’ve given up my spot in the team for free. People know I worked so hard to get to this point in my career and to have given up that chance for free is devastating.

Cameron Bancroft is speaking live from Perth https://t.co/zVuG1EF80V

— ABC News (@abcnews) March 29, 2018

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This incident has certainly put Cricket Australia in a state of jeopardy, with the Cricket World Cup, just a year away. Meanwhile, Steve Smith has returned to Australia.

Steve Smith has arrived back in Australia and will face the media at Sydney Airport shortly. Updates to follow

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018