Royals remove Smith, appoint Rahane as captain for IPL 2018

Smith was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2.1 of ICC’s Code of Conduct and fined 100 per cent of his match fess and slapped with a one Test ban.

Rajasthan Royals will launch their season with an away fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9th followed by their first home game in Jaipur on April 11 against the Delhi Daredevils at Sawai Mansingh stadium.

While Bancroft, who was caught using a yellow tape to scruff up one side of the ball, was guilty of breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct and fined 75 per cent of his match along with three demerit points.

Royals had decided to opt for the wait and watch policy even after ICC had slapped a one Test ban on Smith for the ball tampering row in Cape Town.

India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will replace Smith as the leader of Royals for the IPL 2018.

“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,” said Bharucha on Rahane’s appointment.

But on Monday afternoon the franchise, which is making a comeback in the league after serving a two-year ban, decided not to take any chance by retaining Smith as their captain which may further damage their reputation as a franchise.

“The game is bigger than any individual and we hold this thought close to our heart.”- Manoj Badale , the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals.

Royals in a media release stated that the decision was taken in consultation with Smith, who agreed to step down as captain for the best interest of the team.

“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,” said Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket of Rajasthan Royals.

IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals decided to remove Australian captain Steve Smith as their leader for the upcoming season of IPL following his involvement in the ball-tampering incident in the third Test match at Cape Town.

“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,” said Smith.