Ball tampering is serious issue: IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla

Bhubaneswar: Commenting on the recent ball tampering scandal involving Australian players, Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Rajeev Shukla who was in Bhubaneswar today said that anything affecting the reputation of cricket should not be tolerated. After the ban on Aussie skipper Steve Smith and David Warner by Cricket Australia (CA), IPL has also decided to drop them out of the tournament.

Speaking to media in Bhubaneswar, Rajeev said, "Ball tampering is a serious issue and we have taken it seriously as well. We first waited for the decisions of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket Australia (CA). As CA banned them from playing cricket for a year, we too decided to leave them out of the upcoming edition of IPL."

Shukla further added that ICC should take strong action in these cases and time will tell what new changes will be made in the rules of the game.

Steve Smith and David Warner would have led Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad franchises in this year's IPL. As replacements, Ajinkya Rahane will be leading Rajasthan Royals while Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson will captain Sunrisers Hyderabad.

When asked about the need of issuing an advisory for Indian players, Shukla replied, "There is no need to issue any advisory for Indian players; we keep informing them from time to time about how to deal with these issues."

Commenting on the preparations for the league, the IPL chairman said, "The preparations for IPL are in full swing. On the opening day, the game between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will be played after the inauguration ceremony on April 7."