Indian Premier League cricket club Rajasthan Royals announced on Monday that they had axed Steve Smith as their captain for the upcoming IPL tournament following his ball tampering controversy against South Africa.
Smith, who will earn $1.9 million from his contract with the Royals, has been replaced by Ajinkya Rahane as captain.
Following the ball-tampering controversy, Smith has been banned for one test and fined by the International Cricket Council after he admitted that he, along with other players of his team, had tampered with the ball during the third test against South Africa.
“Steve believes given the current circumstances it’s in the best interest of the Rajasthan Royals that he steps down as captain so the team can get ready for the start of the IPL without the ongoing distractions,” – the club said.
“The incident in Cape Town has certainly disturbed the cricket world. We have been in constant touch with the BCCI (the Indian board) and taken their counsel. Furthermore, we have been in regular contact with Steve,” – said Zubin Bharucha, Royals head of cricket.
