SA v AUS 2018: Sachin Tendulkar expresses his views over ball-tampering scandal

"Whatever has happened is unfortunate but the right decision has been taken" says Sachin Tendulkar.

Cricket Australia announced a severe punishment on the convicted trio of Smith, Warner and Bancroft | AFP

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday (March 28) opened up about the infamous ball-tampering scandal that rocked the entire cricketing fraternity during the recently concluded Test match between Australia and South Africa in Cape Town.

Tendulkar stated that cricket is famous for being a gentleman's game and therefore it should always be played in the right spirit.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, the batting maestro wrote: “Cricket has been known as a gentleman's game. It's a game that I believe should be played in the purest form.”

Sachin, who enjoys a great deal of respect in the cricketing fraternity, termed the entire ball-tampering saga as ‘unfortunate’ and also hailed Cricket Australia and ICC or their strong decision.

“Whatever has happened is unfortunate but the right decision has been taken to uphold the integrity of the game. Winning is important but the way you win is more important,” Tendulkar’s tweet further read.

Cricket Australia on Wednesday (March 28) announced a severe punishment on the convicted trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft for their involvement in the ball-tampering controversy. CA banned skipper Smith and vice-captain Warner for 12 months, while Bancroft was handed a 9-month suspension from international cricket.

Cricket Australia also stated that each player will have to complete 100 hours of community service before being considered for future selection. While Smith and Bancroft will have to wait two years before they are considered for leadership roles, Warner will never again be considered for captaincy as he was found to be the instigator of the plan.

While the convicted trio of Smith, Warner and Bancroft are still eligible to compete in club cricket they can’t take part in state or international games for the duration of their bans.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 28 Mar, 2018

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