David Warner criticizes Cricket Australia for downplaying India A ball-tampering incident, says ‘they have obviously squashed it’

New Delhi: David Warner has accused Cricket Australia (CA) of downplaying the ball-tampering controversy during the India A vs Australia A practice match. The incident occurred when umpires accused the Indian players of intentionally altering the condition of the ball. On the final day’s play, Indian players questioned umpire Shawn Craig about the new ball provided to them, as the officials believed the scratches on the ball were deliberately made, prompting the decision to replace it.

The ball-tampering claims left Indian players in shock, with Ishan Kishan labeling the decision as “stupid.” In response, umpire Shawn Craig issued a warning to Kishan for “inappropriate behavior.”

Cricket Australia later released a statement clearing India of any ball-tampering accusations, explaining that the ball was changed due to natural deterioration, and both teams’ captains and managers were informed prior to play.

Warner, however, believes Cricket Australia downplayed the issue to avoid controversy ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The former Australia cricketer has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, urging the board to provide a clear explanation.

“They have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer,” Warner said on Wednesday.

“But if the umpires deemed something happened, I am sure there will be a follow up. I think the umpires or the match referee should be standing here answering questions. I think the match referee should be coming out and addressing his own staff, which are the umpires. And if they’re sticking by the umpire’s decisions, you have to stand up for that. That’s obviously a statement CA have to release. I have not seen anything,” he added.

Warner was appointed captain of Sydney Thunder after Cricket Australia recently lifted his leadership ban. He, along with Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, had been punished by CA for their roles in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal during the series against South Africa.