Steve Smith has stepped down as captain of Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals following the ball-tampering controversy during Australia’s third Test defeat by South Africa.

Regarded as the best batsman in the world, Smith admitted on Sunday to orchestrating a plan to ball tamper during Australia’s third Test defeat by South Africa.

Hence, the 28-year-old has been banned for one Test and fined his entire match fee.

Ajinkya Rahane will replace Smith.

The IPL is to start on Saturday, April 7.

• Another Gammadda disaster awareness program in Matara today
• National security is not a joke-SP Ruwan Gunasekara on Satana
• Parliamentary select committee to investigate 4/21 attacks
• Heavy rainfall of 100 mm in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva and Kalutara
• Additional cyber security protocols to strengthen government websites