David Warner speaks out after getting banned; Apologises for his actions
Australian batsman David Warner has finally broken his silence on Sandpaper gate that has embroiled his team since last week. He has sent out an apology for the fans after he was banned for a year from representing the Aussies.
"To cricket fans in Australia and all over the world: I am currently on my way back to Sydney. Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologize for my part and take responsibility for it. I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans. Its a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy. I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisers. You will hear from me in a few days," he posted on Twitter.
Yesterday, Cricket Australia handed out sanctions for the three players who were involved in ball tampering during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner were handed a one-year ban while opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was given a nine-month ban.
Among the three, Warner was the most affected as he won't be considered for any leadership role in the future while Smith is banned from captaining the Australian team for two years.
The left-hander was found to have been responsible for the "development of a plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball" and "instruction to a junior player to carry out a plan". He was also charged with providing advice to a junior player (Bancroft) on how to tamper with the ball "including demonstrating how it could be done".
Adding to this, both Warner and Smith, who were retained by their respective franchises ahead of the 2018 IPL auction, are banned from taking part in the tournament.