Following the cheating scandal, Australian cricketer Steve Smith has stepped down as Captain of the Indian Premier League team – Rajasthan Royals.
In an official statement, the Rajasthan Royals’ Head of Cricket, Zubin Bharucha, said, “The incident in Cape Town has certainly disturbed the cricket world. We have been in constant touch with the BCCI and taken their counsel. Furthermore we have been in regular contact with Steve.”
He also added Steve believes given the current circumstances “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.”
Steve has extended his gratitude to the BCCI officials and all the fans in India for their constant support.
Steve Smith has stepped down as captain of Australian side following the ball-tampering controversy during Australia's third Test defeat by South Africa on Sunday.
The 28-year-old has been banned for one Test and fined his entire match fee by the ICC after he admitted to ball tampering plan.
As buzz around his Rajasthan Royal captaincy gained momentum on Monday, the Executive Chairman, Rajasthan Royals, Ranjit Barthakur said, “We have been made aware of the controversy of ball tampering in the ongoing Australia – South Africa series and await further instructions from BCCI, before we make any announcement. We at Rajasthan Royals will not tolerate any actions that are unfair by definition and bring disrepute to the game of cricket. Our Zero tolerance policy applies to everyone in our team. Please bear with us.”
On late Monday evening, the announcement came Smith had stepped down and Ajinkya Rahane had replaced Steve Smith as captain ahead of the Vivo Indian Premier League 2018.
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.”
VIDEO: HOW AUSTRALIA WAS CAUGHT CHEATING IN THE THIRD TEST
SBS News reports the Australian national team cricket coach Darren Lehmann is reportedly set to resign with immediate effect, as the ball-tampering row escalates in South Africa.
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