Ask BCCI, Smith on not playing 2018 IPL

JAIPUR: The BCCI acted on its own while keeping Steve Smith and David Warner out of last year’s IPL during their ball-tampering bans and the former Australia captain said only the Indian board can answer why it did that.

Cricket Australia’s one-year ban was from international cricket and the duo was free to play in a domestic T20 league like IPL.

Smith, whose ban ends on March 29, will be available for Rajasthan Royals’ first game on March 25, but it will depend on how well his elbow has recovered since surgery. “I am available for all the matches, and BCCI has to answer why I was not allowed to play earlier (in 2018),” Smith said at a promotional event on Friday.

Australian selectors have asked Smith and Warner to prove their form and fitness in IPL before the World Cup squad is chosen. “It is exciting to be back on the field and I am looking forward to the tournament,” he said.

Former Australia batsman, Dean Jones, does not expect Smith to play from the start. “Look, I have spoken to Smith and Warner. Smith particularly, elbow is a lot worse than Warner’s. That might play (a role) particularly in selection early,” he said in Mumbai on Friday.

VVS Laxman, Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor, said in Kolkata Warner was fit and that the 2017 IPL’S top-scorer (641 runs) was ready to roll again. “What amazed me was the kind of rhythm he showed from the first practice session. We also played a couple of practice matches in Hyderabad and he scored in both those matches.”

“David has been an exceptional player for us, an exceptional captain, and I’m sure he will look forward to scoring heavily this season,” Laxman said.