Soon after Cricket Australia announced 12 months ban for former skipper Steve Smith, deputy David Warner and 9 months for opener Cameron Bancroft in a ball-tampering scandal, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar came out in support of CA’s decision and termed it right.
Sachin, who was misjudged for the same offence during India’s tour of South Africa in 2001, but later given a clean chit by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the ground that he was “cleaning the ball without the umpire’s permission rather than tampering”, maintained that the game should be played in its purest form.
Tendulkar expressed his views on his Twitter handle and wrote: “Cricket has been known as a gentleman’s game. It’s a game that I believe should be played in the purest form.”
Cricket has been known as a gentleman’s game. It’s a game that I believe should be played in the purest form. Whatever has happened is unfortunate but the right decision has been taken to uphold the integrity of the game. Winning is important but the way you win is more important
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 28 March 2018
“Whatever has happened is unfortunate but the right decision has been taken to uphold the integrity of the game. Winning is important but the way you win is more important,” he added.
Besides, Smith and Warner have also been banned from the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting from April 7.
Both Smith and Warner had stepped down from their captaincy of Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively. They were retained for a whopping Rs 12.5 crore each.
Meanwhile, Warner has issued an apology on Twitter.
David Warner Posted On Twitter
IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla in his statement has said that the concerned IPL teams will be allowed ‘replacement players’.
Royals, however, named India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for the IPL 11 season. SRH, on the other hand, would announce the captain next week. Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson are the front-runners to replace Warner as their skipper.
