IPL 2018: Smith and Warner barred from playing in the IPL

After reports of CA banning David Warner and Steve Smith for one year went viral, the IPL Governing Council has decided to not allow these players to participate in the tournament’s 11th edition. IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla and BCCI General Secretary Amitabh Choudhary themselves confirmed the news.

The Australian captain Steve Smith and David Warner are all set to receive a one-year ban whilst youngster Cameron Bancroft will be banned for 9 months. Bancroft will be allowed to come back this Australian summer whilst Warner and Smith will appear in International colors next March.

Cameron Bancroft was spotted changing the condition of the ball using a yellow sandpaper and the player, alongside his captain Steve Smith came out and confessed their crime to the media. ICC imposed a 1-match ban on Smith, but that received a severe backlash. Cricket Australia was in no mood to belittle all the outrage and decided to take severe action as this managed to damage their reputation quite badly.

Both franchises can look for replacements: Rajeev Shukla

Speaking the media, Rajeev Shukla mentioned that both Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad will be allowed to look for replacements. Both these franchises appointed Steve Smith and David Warner as their leaders for the upcoming seasons. Whilst Rajasthan have already announced Ajinkya Rahane as their leader, Sunrisers are yet to announce their new captain.

Whilst the Rajasthan Royals contingent still look a formidable unit without the presence of Steve Smith, David Warner’s absence will have a significant impact on the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Ever since he signed up for the franchise in 2014, he scored over 500 runs in all the four seasons. He also led them to their maiden title back in 2016.

Another interesting facet to take note here is that Cricket Australia (CA) is yet to confirm the sanctions officially. But the bans seem inevitable and BCCI has already stepped up to bar both these players from the tournament for this year. Both players held possession of a Rs. 12.5 Crore contract with their respective franchises.