The captain of the Australian Cricket team Steve Smith, while breaking down in a press conference took full responsibility of the ball tampering scandal that has shaken the cricketing world.
While addressing the media a teary eyed Smith said, “I take full responsibility … There was a failure of leadership, of my leadership. I’ll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it’s caused.”
As he was being consoled by his father, Smith added, “I’m deeply sorry. I love the game of cricket. I love entertaining young kids … I just want to say sorry for the pain I’ve brought to Australia, to the fans and the public”.
Smith along with David Warner and the young opener Cameron Bancroft were handed bans by Cricket Australia over a ball-tampering scandal that has left their careers in tatters.
Smith added that he is going to regret this for the rest of his life.
“If any good can come of this, if there can be a lesson to others then I hope I can be a force for change. I know I’ll regret this for the rest of my life. I’m absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness,” Smith said.
“Cricket is the greatest sport in the world. It’s been my life and I hope it can be again. I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated,” a devastated Smith said.
“I don’t blame anyone. I’m the captain of the Australian team. It’s on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened last Saturday,” he said.
The Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) have already banned Smith and Warner from this year’s Indian Premier League.
Smith and Warner were due to lead Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively in the upcoming edition, but the Australian pair stepped down from the post in the wake of the scandal.