County sides thinking over roping in Steve Smith post his involvement in ball tampering scam

During his suspension period, Steve Smith might play County cricket in England.

Steve Smith was handed 12-month suspension by Cricket Australia | Getty Images

Steve Smith has been suspended by Cricket Australia (CA) from the International and domestic cricket for 12 months following the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town last month.

Besides Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were also handed heavy suspension by the country’s governing body after they were found in guilty regarding the matter.

However, CA has given some relief to the trio, as CA had said in a release that “the trio can play club cricket to maintain links with the cricket community.”  

As per reports in Standard Sport, ‘A number of counties have been expressed their wish of taking Smith, whose ban does not - in premise - prevent him from playing professional cricket for any other country, for this summer.’

Smith had tweeted: “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. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.”

After Smith showed humility and regret over his conduct, CA’s stand has softened slightly as they have given them permission them to play Club Cricket in the country, but it will be interesting to see whether the top brass extends their support to let Smith play his trade in England or not.

Because the trio would need a no-objection certificate from CA to play for a county, then the England Cricket Board would have to give green signal to Smith’s participation the country' tournament.

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 06 Apr, 2018

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