Ball-tampering incident: Steve Smith not to appeal against 12-month ban
What's the story
Former Australian captain Steve Smith has accepted the sanctions imposed by Cricket Australia for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. He took to Twitter to announce that he will not be challenging the ban. The 28-year-old admitted to the crime. While the ICC had banned him from only one Test and fined him his match fee, Cricket Australia imposed the harsher 12 month ban.
Twitter Post
Smith accepts ban for ball-tampering
I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country. But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) April 4, 2018
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Smith had time until today to challenge ban
The Australian Cricketers' Association had come in support of Smith and Warner. They had urged CA to review the ban as it found the punishment to be too harsh. Smith had time until today to challenge the sanctions but instead he decided to accept them.
Accept or challenge?
Warner and Bancroft to announce their decisions soon
David Warner is yet to decide if he will go ahead and challenge Cricket Australia's sanctions on him. Warner was also handed a 12-month ban from the sport for his role in premeditated cheating. Cameron Bancroft, who was caught tampering the ball with a yellow object, was handed a 9-month ban. He too will announce his decision soon.