Cricket Australia decide not to revoke Smith, Warner, Bancroft bans

When Ethics Centre's independent review of CA found out that in a race to corporatise, centralise and improve team performance over the past seven years, the board’s leadership lost sight of the fact that sport is not a business and the Newlands scandal was just a byproduct of the “winning at all costs” attitude. The findings gave a chance to the ACA who claimed that the CA set-up is also responsible and the players alone shouldn’t be responsible for the events in Cape Town. However, the board released an official statement as a response to the plea and rejected the ACA submission.

"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 chairman Earl Eddings said in a release, reported Cricbuzz.

"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.

"Steve, David and Cameron are working hard to demonstrate their commitment to cricket and have our continued support to ensure their pathway to return is as smooth as possible. We believe the ongoing conversation about reducing the sanctions puts undue pressure on the three players - all of whom accepted the sanctions earlier this year - and the Australian men's cricket team. As such, the Cricket Australia Board doesn't intend to consider further calls for amendments to the sanctions.

"Though we recognise that this decision will be disappointing for the ACA, we thank them for their submission. Our commitment to continuing building a strong relationship between CA and the ACA in the interests of cricket in Australia remains and we look forward to meeting with them shortly to that end."

While Bancroft may make a comeback to play for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League in December, Smith and Warner may return to international cricket as soon as their bans are lifted at the end of March as Pakistan Cricket Board is open to the concept of shifting its ODI series with Australia into April ahead of next year's World Cup.

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