Growing push to let ban pair play
PUBLICLY, Cricket Australia says there is no way it will soften the 12-month bans handed down to Steve Smith and David Warner.
Behind closed doors, however, it’s been a different story with several key powerbrokers secretly discussing the possibility of dropping a bombshell and allowing Australia’s shamed stars to play Sheffield Shield or Big Bash League cricket.
High-profile stars such as Shane Watson have come out and questioned why CA would sign off on the pair playing Twenty20 cricket in outposts such as Canada, but not allow them to participate in their own competitions.
Some feel a year out of international cricket and a $5 million hit to the back pocket has been punishment enough. On the other side of the coin, many believe Cricket Australia cannot possibly go back on what is done, adamant the heavy sanctions are in place for a reason.
Among ex-players, the consensus is in favour of a CA backflip. However, the opinions are mixed and varied.
Glenn McGrath called for compassion for the players and felt the ban was hurting the Australian viewing public.
“They’re playing in Canada in front of crowds over there, it’d be great to see them back here entertaining the crowds in the BBL,” McGrath said.
“I’d like to see a little bit of compassion there. I think the Australian public wants that.”
Fellow former quick Damien Fleming said the return of the banned players to Sheffield Shield would do wonders for that competition.
“They should be playing shield,” he said. “Imagine the young bowlers having to bowl against Smith and Warner. If someone was knocking over those couple of guys you’d go, ‘geez, this guy’s the real deal’.”
However, Simon Katich argued it was important to send a strong message that ball-tampering had no place in Australian cricket.
“I like the idea of them being able to play club cricket,” he said.
“The ban is there for a reason and I think if they don’t get banned and they’re able to play throughout the whole 12 months, people will think, ‘well what was it all for?’ ”