As promised by Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland on Tuesday, “significant sanctions” have been imposed on Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked cricket.
Smith and Warner have been handed 12-month suspensions from international and domestic cricket, while Bancroft received a nine-month ban. Smith and Bancroft have also been banned from captaining the side for 12 more months after their respective suspensions are complete, while Warner will not be considered for leadership positions in the future.
The sucker-punch came from the BCCI, though, as it was confirmed that Warner and Smith – who were both already stood down as captains of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals – were also banned from the upcoming season of IPL.
Here’s a look at the list of events that Warner and Smith will miss because of the bans.
| Event | Duration |
|---|---|
| Indian Premier League 2018 | April-May 2018 |
| Tour of England (Five ODIs, one T20I) | June 2018 |
| Tour of Zimbabwe (One Test, three ODIs) | June-July 2018 |
| Bangladesh's tour of Australia (Two Tests, three ODIs) | August-September 2018 |
| Tour of UAE versus Pakistan (Five ODIs, one T20I) | October 2018 |
| South Africa's tour of Australia (Five ODIs, three T20Is) | October-November 2018 |
| India's tour of Australia (Four Tests) | November 2018 - January 2019 |
| Sri Lanka's tour of Australia (Two Tests, three T20Is) | January, 2019 |
| New Zealand in Australia (unconfirmed schedule) | February 2019 |
| Tour of India (Five ODIs, two T20Is) | February 2019 |
| Tour of UAE versus Pakistan (Three Tests) | March 2019 |
The World Cup is set to begin on May 30, 2019, and that means Warner and Smith essentially have no window to get going in their Australian colours, although the next editions of Big Bash League and IPL might come to their rescue in terms of providing them high-quality match practice.
The biggest takeaway from an Indian perspective is, however, the upcoming Test series in Australia later this year. With Smith and Warner set to miss the series, the fact that this becomes a golden chance for India to record their first Test series win Down Under, wasn’t lost on many observers.
The odds on India winning a Test series in Australia for the first time ever, at the end of the year, just got a hell of a lot shorter
— Tim (@timwig) March 28, 2018
Smith (and Warner) out means India have a virtual walkover later this year. Not to mention, Australia's 2019 World Cup plans lie in tatters already.
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) March 28, 2018
And again, puts spotlight on Lehmann being absolved here.
India's biggest thorns have now gone. Best chance to win a series down under. And before you say against a weakened Australian side, please remember that it's CA who has banned these guys and we can play against what's on the Park. So shush. https://t.co/YPluEZ2ica
— Clive (@vanillawallah) March 28, 2018
Money, money, money
Smith and Warner will therefore miss the chance to play at least 12 Test matches, 26 One-Day Internationals and 10 T20 Internationals in this period, along with the IPL. Considering the Australians are among the highest paid cricketers in the world, the ban is going to burn quite a big hole in the pockets of Smith and Warner.
Smith stands to lose more than $3.5 million, or just under Rs 23 crore, in match fees and central contracts, including IPL. Warner will miss out on pocketing almost $3 million, or just under Rs 20 crore.
The table below shows the breakup of how much money the two stand to lose:
| Steve Smith | David Warner | |
|---|---|---|
| Match fees (A$) | 580,000 | 580,000 |
| Central contract (A$) | 1,500,000 | 816,000 |
| IPL contract (A$) | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 |
| Total earnings (A$) | 4,580,000 | 3,896,000 |
| Total earnings ($) | 3,526,600 | 2,999,920 |
| Total earnings (Rs) | 22,90,00,000 | 19,48,00,000 |
These figures are exclusive of any endorsement contracts that the two may have. One of Warner’s sponsors, LG Electronics, has already decided not to renew his contract. Warner also endorses Nestle Milo, Toyota, and Asics. Smith, meanwhile, has contracts with New Balance and Weet Bix, according to a report in the Daily Mail.
The sanctions do allow for Smith, Warner and indeed, Bancroft to play club cricket. And there is no reason to think they will not be picked for the next edition of the Big Bash League. They can, also, appeal the bans and have the right for a fair trial under CA’s code of conduct.
All said and done, it is fair to say the hammer came down heavy on the three Australian Cricketers.