Letter.

Letter Published in The National UAE on 29March 18

Cheating in sport is just not cricket   In reference to your article Ball tampering row: ICC must let umpires dish out yellow and red cards for all situations in cricket matches (March 27), the recent ban on the Australian cricket team's captain Steve Smith for his role in the ball tampering by his teammate Cameron Bancroft during the match against South Africa for one match and his subsequent removal as captain from the Indian Premier League's Rajasthan Royals team represents a dramatic development in the world of cricket.

After decades of occupying a niche space, cricket has gained a wider audience and most players are paid hefty fees nationally and internationally. Mr Smith's action was shameful and injured the image of cricket. He was rightly condemned in the Australian media and by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. His act is utterly unacceptable. Players who engage in malpractices such as ball tampering and fixing should be banned permanently. That will serve as a lesson for others who might be tempted to engage in cheating and also pave the way for honest cricketers. The rules of cricket should be respected and millions of spectators who love the game should not be deceived. A ban is only right to restore the game's image.

K Ragavan, Bangalore