It looks like Steve Smith won’t be missing out on too much money during his one-year playing ban after all.
The former Australian cricket captain is reportedly in line to join Channel Seven’s new commentary line up after the network, in partnership with Foxtel, won the broadcasting to the rights to the cricket this week, ending the Nine Network’s 40-year involvement with the game.
Wide World of Sports reports that Smith is likely to “undertake roles in the commentary box and offer his opinion on magazine shows” — a role that will help him secure an income after he was dumped from sponsors for his part in the ball tampering scandal in South Africa.
The publication says nothing is confirmed yet and that Foxtel is still tossing up names for the commentary box.
Of the three players involved in the scandal, Smith appeared to take the fallout the hardest and has reportedly escaped to the US in the past week to hide from the limelight.
He and vice-captain David Warner were banned from playing cricket for one year, while bowler Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month ban. All three players have lost out on sponsorship deals and have been subjected to harsh backlash from cricket fans around the world.
Upon giving his public apology for his part in the incident, Smith sobbed as he apologised for the pain he’d caused his parents and the shame he’d brought to the game.
“Anytime you think about making a questionable decision think about who you’re affecting,” he told young cricket fans. He added through tears: “You’re affecting your parents and to think about the way my old man’s been … and my mum, it hurts.”
“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.”
David Warner has been criticised for his handling of the ordeal and accused by many of giving a disingenuous apology despite masterminding the plan.