Former West Indies skipper Daren Sammy and opener Chris Gayle come out in support of Steve Smith before the commencement of Global T20 Canada.
It has been quite some time since the infamous ball tampering incident took place after which Australia’s Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for twelve months. The Canada GT20 will be their first appearance on the field after the incident. While there has been much chaos regarding the incident, more was to follow. Smith was spotted hanging out at a New York Pub which garnered attention from the media.
Daren Sammy, who will be leading the Toronto Nationals with Steve Smith by his side, said that it was great to have Smith in the team because he is experienced and aware of the process of the game and it will be helpful to have him on his side.
While Gayle tried not to comment on the whole ball tampering incident, however, he did say that let them [Smith and Warner] be free. He said, “They have paid the penalty and now, let them just go on with their lives and have fun like any other cricketer and work for their family. People make mistakes and that they deserve another chance.”
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Sammy, also, backed the duo and said that it is up to the media and how they portray them. Appreciating Smith as a player and as a captain, he continued to say that he liked how Smith took full responsibility of the action and believes that after the completion of his term, he will walk out as a more respected man.
He added that what the media did about the incident in New York was not called for and one should not kick a man when he is down. He wanted to set an example for the next generation. He ended by saying that if one has a right to punish, one should have the right to forgive.
In the opening game of the Canada Global T20, Sammy’s Toronto Nationals defeated Gayle’s Vancouver Knights by 6 wickets. Smith scored a 41-ball 61 in his comeback match.