Coming back from ban, Rajasthan Royals yet to take a decision over Steve Smith's future

The IPL is ready to start in a week's time and the drama has already begun thanks to the viral video of batsman Cameron Bancroft, who was caught on the cameras tampering with the ball. Aussie Captain, who also is supposed to lead the Rajasthan Royals side in the IPL admitted that it was a collective decision by the team. Following the pressure from several quarters, Steve Smith was asked to step down and was also handed a one match ban. Cricket fans in India have been indignant and speculative regarding the fate of Smith and his role in the IPL. According to sources, Rajasthan Royals will not be taking an immediate decision regarding Smith's tenure as captain of the team. "The BCCI and Rajasthan Royals will like to wait for the ICC to announce the official sanction against Steve Smith. As of now, no decision will be taken either by the board or the franchise," said Rajeev Shukla. According to Shukla, the role of Steve Smith was an integral one to the team and taking a hasty decision would put the future of the team in jeopardy. "We will only take a call depending on the magnitude of sanction. Smith is an important player for Royals and their skipper. It's only fair that they wait." said Shukla. However, Rajasthan begins 2018 with the baggage of a two-year ban on them. Following the Lodha Panel inquiry, the team was banned in 2015 for two years while their owner Raj Kundra was banished for the remainder of his life. In this situation, Rajasthan Royals fans along with cricket fans in India would generally hope that the team would want to start their 2018 campaign on a squeaky clean note. It would be sensible of the franchise to take the same stand as Cricket Australia. However, that is not the case. When asked about the decision, Shukla said, "The BCCI or IPL Governing Council have got nothing to do with it. Our only concern is ICC." Instead of dropping Smith to avoid getting bogged down with more controversy, Shukla insisted, "Rajasthan Royals is coming back this year. They need Smith both as a brand and a player." It is yet to be seen what verdict is handed to the Aussie skipper, rather, the former Aussie skipper. But for the sake of cricket fans and to make a point to make a cleaner beginning, fans hope that Smith does not get the undeserving position of a captain.