Cameron Bancroft Considered Starting a Yoga Career and Quitting Cricket After Ball-Tampering Scandal

Suspended Australian cricketer Cameron Bancroft has revealed that he considered dedicating his life to teaching yoga to help others after a taking a training course in Melbourne in September. After being handed a ban in the ball-tampering scandal that erupted in March earlier this year, Bancroft engaged himself by teaching yoga and doing community service with the Kyle Andrews Foundation. Cricket Controversies in 2018: From Virat Kohli's 'Leave India' Comment to Steve Smith's Ball-Tampering Scandal, Here Are All Incidents That Rocked Gentleman's Game This Year!

In a letter addressed to himself and which was published in The West Australian on Saturday, Bancroft wrote, “Until you are able to acknowledge that you are Cameron Bancroft, the person who plays cricket as a profession, and not Cameron Bancroft the cricketer, you will not be able to move forward. This will become a defining moment for you.”

The suspended cricketer added: "You learn about anatomy, how to teach poses, alignment, the philosophy but most importantly you learn that you can use your life to a greater purpose. New friends will be made, great people with similar interests. Maybe cricket isn't for you, you'll ask yourself... will you return? Yoga will be such a fulfilling experience. It's hard to feel this reality could exist. You meet people fighting battles greater than you can understand, but through your own hardship and journey you can inspire others in the form of yoga." Steve Smith Opens Up on Ball-Tampering Scandal, Says He Had a Chance to Stop It.

The 26-year-old, however, took to cricket again with grade matches at Willetton District Cricket Club. "You wear a blue cap, it won't be a Baggy Green, but the enjoyment is the same. You love the game. That's the heart of all passion. Cricket is still well and truly a part of who you are," he wrote.

Bancroft also wrote how he forgave himself. ”Many people will judge you as a cheat, but that is OK. Always love and respect everyone. You will love those people because you forgive them. Just like you're going to forgive yourself. Have faith and embrace uncertainty." he added. Steve Smith Banned From Playing BPL 2019 for Comilla Victorians Team

Meanwhile, Bancroft’s suspension ends on December 29. As Australia have named an unchanged side for third and fourth Test, it is unlikely that he will be part of the team for the final Test at Sydney in January. Bancroft will return to action with Big Bash League (BBL) and will play for Perth Scorchers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 22, 2018 10:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).