Ball tampering issue: ‘I am sorry’, says an emotional Steve Smith

Steve Smith, former Australia national cricket team captain said he was sorry for the entire tampering incident and it was a massive failure of his leadership. He was speaking for the first time after being suspended for one year for his role in the ball tampering incident by Cricket Australia.

An emotional Smith was addressing the media at Sydney and during his interaction; he broke down and was crying. The Australian cricketer said he blames no one except himself for the entire incident and he takes full responsibility for whatever happened as it happened under his watch.

During the address, Smith kept on repeating, ‘I am sorry’ and said that he feels devastated by the entire incident. He also reflected his love and respect for cricket by stating that ‘cricket is the greatest sport in the world and it has been his life.’

Smith accepted his fate and said he was looking forward to a better life. “If any good can come of this, if there can be a lesson to others then I hope I can be a force for change. I know I’ll regret this for the rest of my life,” Smith said. “I’m absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness.”

The ball tampering incident happened during the third Test between South Africa and Australia and three Australian players, Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft took responsibility for the act and were duly penalized for it.

Smith and Warner have been banned for one year by Cricket Australia while Bancroft is banned nine months. Smith and Warner are also banned from captaining Australia. The sanctions by Cricket Australia have led to Smith and Warner’s removal from IPL 2018 as well.

All three players have the right to appeal against the sanctions but according to sources Smith will probably accept the verdict and won’t contest it.