STEVE SMITH has been stripped of his position as captain at IPL side Rajasthan Royals for the 2018 IPL campaign amidst Australia’s ball-tampering disgrace.
The Aussie skipper could also be stripped of his £1.3million contract after admitting to cheating in South Africa Test.
Smith has already been fined his full match fee for the Third Test at Newlands and banned for the fourth and final game, with Cameron Bancroft fined 75 per cent of his fee.
But now, to rub salt into the wound, the Royals have confirmed Ajinkya Rahane will be captain for the 2018 IPL.
In a statement, they claimed: “The incident in Cape Town has certainly disturbed the cricket world.
“We have been in constant touch with the BCCI and taken their counsel. Furthermore we have been in regular contact with Steve.
“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.
“He would like to extend his gratitude to the BCCI officials and all the fans in India for their constant support.”
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Co-owner of the Royal, Manoj Badale added: “Ajinkya Rahane has been an integral part of the Royals family for a long time now and he understands the culture and values of our team.
“We have absolutely no doubt that he will be a great leader of the Rajasthan Royals.
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“Rajasthan Royals will do everything possible to protect the values and the integrity of the game.
“We agree with Steve’s decision to step down as captain, and we are fortunate to have such a capable successor with Ajinkya Rahane.
“It is important that all cricket fans retain a balanced perspective on the situation.
“What happened in South Africa was clearly wrong, especially given that it appears to have been pre-meditated.
“That said, this will be a difficult time for Steve as well, given how much he cares about the game.”
Royals team-mate and Australia vice-captain David Warner’s position is now also in question, with both players potentially being cut by the IPL giants.
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