Steve Smith steps down as captain of Rajashthan Royals
Australian cricketer Steve Smith has stepped down as captain of the indian Premier League (IPL) side Rajasthan Royals.
Smith, who is the captain of the Australian national side, is engulfed in a ball tampering scandal.
The team has admitted to tampering with the ball during the third Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town.
His future as captain of the Australian team also hangs in the balance amid the fallout from the scandal.
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He was handed one-match ban and fined his match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Rajasthan Royals confirmed in a statement that Ajinkya Rahane will replace Smith as captain during the upcoming tournament.
"Steve believes given the current circumstances it's in the best interest of the Rajasthan Royals that he steps down as captain so the team can get ready for the start of the IPL without the ongoing distractions," the club said.