Steve Smith, David Warner's IPL 2018 future in doubt after ball-tampering scandal

Mumbai: With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 just around the corner, Australia players are currently under scanner after skipper Steve Smith along with Cameron Bancroft  was involved in ball tampering incident during the third Test between South Africa and Australia in Cape Town .

This incident has sent shock waves throughtout the cricket fraternity with former and current players taking to Twitter to express their displeasure over the incident.

On Sunday IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla had said Rajasthan Royals will wait and see what sanctions the ICC imposes on Steve Smith before taking a call on his future as the franchise's captain, following a ball tampering scandal that prompted, among others, even Australia's Prime Minister to react.

ICC, however, fined Smith's 100 per cent match fee and handed him a one Test ban, while, Cameron Bancroft got a 75 per cent fine and three demerit points for ball-tampering incident.

Speaking about the incident senior BCCI official quoted "Now the ball is completely in Rajasthan Royals' court. Yes, Smith was dishonest in allowing a youngster to tamper with the ball. He has set a very bad example but Rajasthan's plans revolve around Smith,"

Royals who appointed Smith as their skipper for the upcoming edition later issued a statement on the whole episode and  it looks like the Australian could end up stepping down from his captaincy post.

With Australian captain's future uncertain, Ajinkya Rahane looks like strong contender to lead the side.

"We think Rajasthan will like to start with a clean slate without any controversy. So it would be easier if Smith decides to play as a batsman only and let someone else take over the mantle of captaincy," the official said. .

David Warner future with Sunrisers Hyderabad?

Like Steve Smith, Vice-Captain David Warner's IPL career also hangs in balance after his name emerged in the controversy.

The explosive top-order batsman is all set to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming edition of IPL, but the fresh controversy has certainly put his place in the team in trouble.

Inspite of his team not making the final in last IPL, Warner ended up as tournament's top scorer with 641 runs in 14 matches.

There have been no word from the franchisee yet, but the left-hander could also face similar punishment as that of Steve Smith.