Sanjay Manjrekar Comes Out In Support Of Steven Smith Even As Talks Of Life Ban Grow Louder

Sanjay Manjrekar's argument on why Steven Smith must not be banned for life is a must-read

By: Arun Rawal |
March 27, 2018 6:28 pm

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has come out in support of infamous Australian captain Steven Smith. No, Manjrekar is not defending him for the ball-tampering fiasco against South Africa in the first Test. But he is against the ongoing talks of life ban as he stated a few incidents in the past where South African skipper Faf du Plessis got away with ball-tampering.

In a press conference after Day 4 of the third Test, Smith accepted that he asked Cameron Bancroft to tamper the ball and it was a decision taken by the leadership group. He had to step down from the captaincy and was suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for one match along with a 100 percent match fee. Moreover, he was sacked as Rajasthan Royals captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.

Amid talks of Smith not playing IPL 2018, it has been a popular opinion that Smith should be banned for lifetime. However, Manjrekar does not think it is necessary.

Here’s what he tweeted on March 26,

For those who want life ban on Smith- Faf du Plessis was found guilty of ball tampering twice. 1st time in 2013, he was fined 50% of his match fee. 2nd time in 2016, he was fined 100% of his match fee & demerit points. Following month he was made captain.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 26, 2018

On the other hand, this does not mean that Manjrekar is against ICC taking a stern action against Smith either. Here’s what he had to say about the incident –

There must be zero tolerance about this. Cheaters have no place in the game. Both ICC and CA must be strict with their actions.#BallTampering

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 25, 2018

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He also wants Australia’s head coach Darren Lehmann to get sacked if he knew about the discussion on ball-tampering as explained by Smith and Bancroft.

If it comes to light that Darren Lehmann as coach was aware of this & the players had his blessings, as someone, senior in age & statesman like, he should be the first to go!#CricketAus

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 26, 2018

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Not just Smith but David Warner also is in troubled waters after getting sacked as the vice-captain of the team. According to reports, he might get sacked as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) skipper as well.