Steve Smith Breaks Down at Sydney Airport: Former Australia Captain In Tears Answering to Reporters on Live Video

Steve Smith faced a major break down, at Sydney Airport, on his return from South Africa after being banned by Cricket Australia (CA). Addressing a press conference the former Australian captain said, ‘To all of my teammates, to fans of cricket all over the world and to all Australians who are disappointed and angry. I'm sorry.”

The teary-eyed Smith said that he takes full responsibility for the ball-tampering scandal and it was a failure of his leadership. Smith said, “I take full responsibility ... There was a failure of leadership, of my leadership. I'll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it's caused.”

Answering questions to the media at Sydney Airport, Smith said, “If any good can come of this, if there can be a lesson to others then I hope I can be a force for change. I know I'll regret this for the rest of my life. I'm absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness.”

Steve Smith broke down in front of the press mentioning that he has been completely devastated by what has happened in the last week. Smith said, “Cricket is the greatest sport in the world. It's been my life and I hope it can be again. I'm sorry and I'm absolutely devastated. I don't blame anyone. I'm the captain of the Australian team. It's on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened last Saturday.”

Making repeated apologies to the fans and the public of Australia, “It hurts ... I'm deeply sorry. I love the game of cricket. I love entertaining young kids ... I just want to say sorry for the pain I've brought to Australia, to the fans and the public,” said Smith in the ending remarks of his press conference.

Watch Full Live Video of Steve Smith Press Conference at Sydney Airport:

Earlier, CA CEO James Sutherland had banned Smith along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft for their involvement in ball-tampering fiasco during the Third Test match against South Africa at Newlands, last week. However, Australian coach Darren Lehmann survived the axe and is still in charge!

While Steve Smith and David Warner were banned to play for 12 months, Cameron Bancroft was banned for 9 months. The duo of Smith and Warner were also banned to play from their respective teams – Rajasthan Royals & SunRisers Hyderabad – and hence will not be able to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 29, 2018 02:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).