No leadership role for Smith, Bancroft for 1 year after ban ends: Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia has banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series.

Following an investigation, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland apologised and eventually handed out the punishments to the tarnished players in the wake of the ball-tampering row.

In the statement of the investigation report, Cricket Australia has mentioned various points which includes how the future of the players is going to shape up.

The report says, "Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will not be considered for team leadership positions until a minimum of 12 months after the conclusion of their respective suspensions from international and domestic cricket."

Smith and Bancroft will be givenleadership roles only a year after they complete their tenure of punishments -- which means not beforeMarch 28, 2020.

They may resume playing cricket from March 29, 2019, but won't be considered for leadership roles until one year.

It further added, "Any consideration of future leadership would be conditional on acceptance by fans and the public, form and authority among the playing group."

Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever said, "These are significant penalties for professional players and the Board does not impose them lightly. It is hoped that following a period of suspension, the players will be able to return to playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers."

Cricket Australia CEO, James Sutherland said, "I am satisfied that the sanctions in this case properly reflect a balance between the need to protect the integrity and reputation of the game and the need to maintain the possibility of redemption for the individuals involved, all of whom have learned difficult lessons through these events."