Disgraced David Warner apologises for denting Cricket

Sydney: The ball-tampering episode in the Cape Town Test between South Africa and Australia was the perfect example of how dangerous can too much anger and over-ambitiousness could be for any cricketer across the world.

Two top Aussie batsmen - Steven Smith and David Warner – have been slapped with one year suspension from International Cricket and have also been removed from the Indian Premier League franchises (Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively) where they were captioning their sides.

Finally speaking over the ball tampering scandal, disgraced Australian opener David Warner on Friday apologised for the distress he has caused to the sport and its fans.

"To Cricket fans in Australia and all over the world, I am currently on my way to Sydney. Mistakes have been made which have damaged Cricket," Warner, 31, said on Twitter.

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"I apologize for my part and take responsibility for it. I understand the distress this has caused to the sport and its fans. It's a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy.

"I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisors. You will hear from me in a few days," he added.

Cricket Australia on Thursday slapped one-year bans on Warner and his skipper Steve Smith besides announcing a 9-month ban on rookie opener Cameron Bancroft after investigation found them guilty in the scandal that took place in Cape Town in South Africa.

Warner, identified by CA as a central figure in the scandal, was also barred from assuming any kind of leadership position in Australian cricket in the future.

He along with Smith was also banned from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), starting on April 7.

Warner was found to have been responsible for developing a plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball and instruct a junior player to carry out the plan.