Steve Smith has revealed that he has stepped down from his position as captain of Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals.
During last week's third Test with South Africa, Australian skipper Smith admitted that he had played a part in a plan being put together to illegally tamper with the ball, with teammate Cameron Bancroft being filmed taking tape out of his pocket before rubbing the ball.
The pair have since apologised for their actions, with Smith being handed a one-match Test ban and a 100% fine of his match fee, and there have been calls for the 28-year-old to permanently be removed from leading the Baggy Greens.
Smith is yet to announce a decision with regards to his international future, but the batsman says that he will no longer captain Rajasthan Royals to aid the team's preparations "without the ongoing distractions".
The tournament is scheduled to get underway on April 7.
Darren Plant
