Warner apologizes

Sports Desk: David Warner has issued an apology via social media after being banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia for his role in a ball-tampering plot during the third test against South Africa.

Warner, who has lost two sponsors already, said he is on his way back to Australia from South Africa and added: “You will hear from me in a few days.”

Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, who were banned for 12 months and nine months each, will arrive in Australia before Warner and face what were anticipated to be packed news conferences.

In a statement released via Twitter and Instagram, Warner admitted “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.”

The 31-year-old opening batsman said he needs to take a “deep breath” and spend time with his family and advisers.

Smith and Warner were each banned for 12 months on Wednesday after an investigation into the attempted ball tampering last weekend. Cricket Australia said Warner instructed Bancroft how to carry out the tampering with a piece of sandpaper.

Smith and Warner were banned from playing for Australia, or any high-level cricket in Australia, for a year. They’ve also been barred by Indian authorities from the lucrative IPL.

Smith lost the captaincy and won’t be eligible to regain it for two years, Cricket Australia said. Warner will never again be considered for a leadership role in an Australian team.

Sporting goods company ASICS scrapped sponsorship deals Warner and Bancroft. Electronics company LG on Wednesday said it would not renew its soon-to-expire deal with Warner.

Cereal company Sanitarium on Thursday said it was ending its relationship with Smith.

Reports in the Australia media estimate the suspensions could cost Smith and Warner 5 million Australian dollars (US$3.8 million) each in lost earnings and endorsements.

Source: Agencies


risingbd/Dhaka/March 29, 2018/AI