Ahead of India’s tour of Australia 2024-25, former Australian opener David Warner has voiced concerns over Cricket Australia (CA)‘s quick dismissal of a recent ball-tampering incident involving India A. Warner suggested that the cricket board should issue an official statement clarifying the events that occurred on the final day of the first practice match between Australia A and India A.

Ball-tampering incident casts shadow over tour match

The controversy erupted on the final day of the Australia A versus India A match in Mackay, where a commanding seven-wicket victory by Australia A was overshadowed by a dispute over a ball change. Umpire Shawn Craig noticed visible scratch marks on the ball and decided to replace it, attributing the damage to actions taken by India A players. This decision sparked immediate tension on the field, with players and officials caught in a heated exchange over the fairness of the call. The decision was enforced without further debate, and the match continued, but the incident had already begun to dominate discussions.

Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper for India A, voiced his frustration at the decision, calling it a “very stupid decision.” His comments were captured on the stump microphone, which added to the intensity of the situation. In response, umpire Craig sternly warned Kishan about the consequences of dissent, telling him he would be reported for his actions. Craig emphasized that the ball change had occurred due to Kishan’s behavior, further escalating the tension between the two parties. This confrontation led to broader scrutiny, with many questioning whether the ball-change decision was justified or if it was handled appropriately by the umpires.

David Warner questions Cricket Australia’s take on ball-tampering incident

Reacting to the incident, Warner has now expressed concern over Australian cricket board’s rapid handling of the ball-tampering controversy. He speculated that CA may have moved quickly to downplay the situation due to India’s upcoming tour of Australia, seeking to avoid any further complications before the series. Warner emphasized that if the umpires had indeed observed something wrong, the incident warranted a proper investigation and follow-up. He called for the umpires or match referee to publicly address the issue and provide clarity on the matter.

“I think the ultimate decision’s with CA, isn’t it?. I think they’ve obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India’s coming out here this summer. But if the umpires deem that something happened, then I’m sure there’ll be a follow-up and I think the umpires or the match referee should be standing here answering those questions,” said Warner as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Also READ: AUS A vs IND A – Ishan Kishan argues with the umpire amid ball tampering allegations against Indian players

Warner calls for accountability from match referee and umpires

Warner went on to suggest that the match referee should take responsibility for addressing the umpires’ actions, particularly if they stood by their decision to change the ball. He argued that CA should release a formal statement supporting the umpires’ decisions if they believe the action was justified. By doing so, Warner felt that CA would not only clear the air but also show confidence in their officials, providing transparency and maintaining the integrity of the game.

“I think the match referee should be coming out and addressing his own staff, who are the umpires, and if they’re sticking by the umpire’s decisions, then you’ve got to stand up for that. I think that’s obviously a statement that CA probably need to release,” Warner added.

Also READ: KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel added to India A squad for second unofficial Test against Australia A

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