Australian cricket captain Steve Smith and the team’s youngest player, Cameron Bancroft, on 24 March, admitted to have made concentrated efforts to tamper with a ball during a match with South Africa. As the controversy plays out, here’s a look at how big names in the world of cricket have reacted.
Balanced Perspective Needed: Steve Waugh
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh urged everyone to have a "focused and balanced perspective" about the ongoing ball-tampering scandal that has rocked Australian cricket with their current captain Steve Smith facing a hefty suspension from Cricket Australia.
“A focused and balanced perspective is needed in the condemnation on those involved in this, with a clear and critical consideration to the social impact and mental health of all players," Waugh wrote on his official Facebook page, which was also uploaded by Cricket Australia.
“I will support all positive action to ensure an outcome for the betterment of the game, regaining the trust and faith of every fan of cricket,” he added.
He didn't hide the fact that he was deeply troubled by the action of the players.
“Like many, I am deeply troubled by the events in Cape Town this last week and acknowledge the thousands of messages I have received, mostly from heartbroken cricket followers worldwide,” Waugh said today.
Graeme Smith Questions ICC Sanction
Former South African captain Graeme Smith hit out at the International Cricket Council, saying the sport's governing body missed a chance to show leadership over the Australian ball-tampering controversy.
Speaking to South Africa's Independent Media, Smith said: "I think the ICC missed an opportunity to really handle this properly and lead our game. They haven't done that. You have had two players, who have admitted guilt for cheating. I think that's huge."
Graeme Smith said the punishment of a one-match ban for Australian captain Steve Smith, and three demerit points for Cameron Bancroft, who was caught on camera trying to tamper with the ball, was inadequate.
"I can't remember ever seeing a foreign object (on the field) to change the ball. The pictures are damning. I mean it shouldn't be that Cricket Australia are setting the example. The ICC should be setting the example. I don't know what the right ban is, but it shouldn't be just one Test match," said Smith.
Ganguly Thinks Life Ban Excessive
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly slammed Australian cricket team's "win at all cost" attitude and said that the ball-tampering plot hatched by Steven Smith and his players in the Test against South Africa was an act of sheer stupidity.
"Steven Smith need not have to do it (ball-tampering). I think what Smith did or David Warner did or Bancroft did was absolute stupidity," Ganguly said at a panel discussion on a news channel.
Ganguly, however, did say that a life ban for what Steve Smith and his ‘leadership group’ did would be a bit excessive.
Harbhajan Asks For Equality
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has said both Steve Smith and Bancroft should have been given harsher punishments by the International Cricket Council.
"Without any proper investigation and without any proof (in the Monkeygate scandal in 2008), I was handed three-match ban and here you see the player (Bancroft) who was actually involved in ball-tampering was let off with a fine of 75 percent of match fee," he said.
"Both Smith and Bancroft should have been given harsher punishments. I will not say ban of 6 months or life ban but maybe 2 or 3 matches."
Vaughan Digs Up The Past
Michael Vaughan has said he is "pretty sure" Australia were tampering with the ball during the recent Ashes series against England as cricket chiefs held crisis talks over the cheating scandal engulfing the sport.
Smith said it was the first time it had happened under his captaincy but Vaughan, who led England to Ashes glory in 2005, believes it has been going on for "quite a while".
"I can't believe that this hasn't happened before," Vaughan told the BBC. "I look at the amount of tape some of the fielders have worn, particularly during the Ashes series, mid-on, mid-off. (I) don't have to name names but they know who they are.
"I'm pretty sure that it was going on during the Ashes series. But it wasn't the reason why England lost 4-0. They still would have lost that series." Joe Root, who captained in Australia, has said he saw no reason to suspect Australia of ball-tampering during the series.
Nasser Hussain Slams Australian 'Double Standards'
Ex-England skipper Nasser Hussain said the premeditated nature of the entire incident sets it apart from previous cases of cheating in cricket and is adamant that captain Steve Smith must shoulder more responsibility.
"Ball-tampering has always been part of the game, so we should be careful not to get too holier-than-thou," Hussain wrote in a column for Britain's Daily Mail newspaper.
"But what makes the Australians' behaviour in Cape Town different from other instances, I believe, is the premeditated nature of the crime.
"Steve Smith and his 'leadership group' sat down at lunch on the third day of the Test and decided that the team's youngest player, Cameron Bancroft, would do the dirty work."
Hussain lambasted the "double standards" of the Australian side, referring to a recent sledging row involving batsman David Warner. "Some of the stuff he was alleged to have said to England's players during the Ashes was way too personal," said Hussain, who captained England from 1999 until 2003.
"Yet the moment anyone has a go at him, he starts bleating about where the line is." The former England skipper said Smith must be held to account for his role in the scandal.
It Will be Sad if They Miss Out on IPL: Nehra
Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra conceded that Steve Smith was wrong in orchestrating ball-tampering, but it will be sad if the under-fire Australian captain is barred from participating in the Indian Premier League.
Since Smith spoke about the leadership group's role in the controversy, David Warner too could also face possible sanctions from Cricket Australia.
"I know what they did was wrong. But if we think that this is the first time that ball-tampering is happening, then that is also wrong. But the best part is they admitted their mistake and ICC has sanctioned them. Obviously, we don't know what Cricket Australia will do but if they don't play, it will be a huge setback for Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. They are quality players and it will be sad if they miss out on IPL," Nehra said.
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