Cricket Australia, had earlier in the day, decided not to reduce or lift the bans on cricketers David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft despite pressure from multiple corners.
This means that the duo of Smith and Warner will miss India's tour to Australia as they continue "working hard to demonstrate their commitment to cricket".
This decision has naturally caused a lot of murmur on social media with people arguing over the harshness of the punishment.
While Aakash Chopra believed that the ban was too harsh, some of his followers vehemently disagreed.
The ban on Smith, Warner and Bancroft wasn’t in line with their offence. Was way too harsh. Reducing it wouldn’t have been a bad thing....in my humble opinion. #SandpaperGate
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 20, 2018
The ban was for brazen flouting of laws of the game, ban was for the planning that went on before the act... It was pre-planned CHEATING
— Sourodeep (@RamblinMan90) November 20, 2018
Another fan supported the ban, saying it would set a good precedent.
If previously ppl were not penalised that doesn't mean it Should go on n become a norm.. Good that ICC n CA put their foot down this time.. It's a lesson for other players as well..#Sandpapergate
— Ashesh Sinha (@asheshsim) November 20, 2018
Meanwhile, Harsha Bhogle believes that because Cricket Australia had made its stand clear with the strong punishment, they would not be able to go back on their stance.
Having made its stand very clear with its strong punishment, Cricket Australia couldn't be seen to be lifting the ban on Smith, Warner and Bancroft. So it will probably be the IPL and straight to the World Cup for Smith and Warner
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 20, 2018
Smith and Warner can now only make a national team comeback after 29 March, 2019 while Bancroft may still be considered for the Test series against India once his punishment ends on December 29.
