Bans of Smith, Warner, Bancroft to continue, confirms Cricket Australia

The ban on Bancroft ends in late December after which he will be able to take part in the upcoming Big Bash League with the Perth Scorchers. On the other hand, Smith and Warner will be eligible to return from March 29

Cricket Australia (CA), on Tuesday, decided not to amend the bans imposed on Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameroon Bancroft following their involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. The decision means Bancroft will continue with his 9-month suspension while Smith & Warner will be away from the domestic and international circuit for a complete year, baring them to feature in the upcoming home series against India.

The governing body ruled out a submission by the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) demanding either lift the ban altogether or bring back the trio to domestic cricket before the actual suspension ends.

“The Cricket Australia Board has carefully considered all elements of the ACA submission and has determined that it is not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions handed down to the three players,” CA Interim Chair Earl Eddings said.

“Despite the absence of any recommendation regarding the sanctions in the recently released Ethics Centre Review, the Board has deliberated on the ACA's submission at length. We have reconsidered the sanctions as they apply to each of Steve, David and Cameron in light of the ACA's submission and the Ethics Centre Review and Recommendations.

“The original decision of the Board to sanction the players was determined after rigorous discussion and consideration. CA maintains that both the length and nature of the sanctions remain an appropriate response in light of the considerable impact on the reputation of Australian cricket, here and abroad,” Eddings said.

The ban on Bancroft ends in late December after which he will be able to take part in the upcoming Big Bash League with the Perth Scorchers. On the other hand, Smith and Warner will be eligible to return from March 29.