Pakistan most likely to steal Steve Smith and David Warner's IPL 2019 limelight

Earlier this year, Steve Smith and David Warner were barred from taking part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the reason that they were banned by Cricket Australia (CA) owing to their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town. Both were retained by their respective franchises at a hefty price. Smith was replaced as the skipper of Rajasthan Royals (RR) by Ajinkya Rahane.

On the other hand, Warner was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as the captain of the franchise. While the Royals missed Smith’s services badly, having bowed out after the Eliminator at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Orange Army roared the final against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai under the leadership of New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson.

More bad news for Steve Smith and David Warner?

In the meantime, it has been learned that both stalwarts could go on to miss even the upcoming edition of the T20 tournament in India. And even if they play, the duo may not be available for more than a couple of weeks as per reports in ESPNcricinfo. The Aussies are scheduled to play an ODI series against Pakistan next year, the schedule of which may be shifted from March to April.

The 50-overs fixtures are also expected to be a preparation for the World Cup for them, scheduled to start on May 30 in England and Wales. Their ban ends at the end of March and hence, they won’t be able to take part in the March leg of the event. And provided they are selected in the ODI squad, Smith and Warner can’t take part in the majority of the matches in April.

Cricket Australia (CA) has already mentioned that they would need to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in order to take part in the league and they won’t be allowed to miss the Sheffield Shield and the ODI series by any means. Moreover, the cricket board has remarked that the Australian cricketers won’t be available for the event from May 1 onwards.

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