Tainted Smith, Warner banned from IPL

Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council chairman Rajiv Shukla on Wednesday said,  Steve Smith and David Warner, will not be allowed to take part in this year's IPL.

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"Cricket Australia (CA), following its investigation into the ball-tampering episode, has decided to ban Smith and Warner and we're following the same," he said.

Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the two franchises affected by the decision, will be allowed to seek replacements.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the two Australian cricketers -including Cameron Bancroft - involved in the incident can still play grade cricket, ergo they can play the IPL since it qualifies under the same category.

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However, the BCCI has put its foot down. “I am yet to see what exactly CA has said, but I am told they have been banned. If that be so, then these two will not be allowed to play the IPL, full stop,” BCCI’s acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary told Sporstar.