The Sandpapergate Scandal - Was the decision to ban Smith, Warner & Bancroft correct?

The Sandpapergate Incident

The date was 24th March, 2018. It was the 3rd day of the 3rd test between South Africa and Australia at Newlands, Cape town. After the lunch, Cameron Bancroft was caught on the cameras trying to rub the ball with a small yellow object and was also caught hiding that object later. When asked by umpires, Bancroft showed them a sunglass pouch from his pocket but found himself in trouble at the press conference after the 3rd day's play. At the press conference, he said that it was the yellow adhesive tape from which he was trying to alter the condition of the ball, when asked about the yellow object caught on the camera.

The big thing happened 5 days later. After an investigation done by Cricket Australia, Bancroft admitted that it was the sandpaper. Smith also admitted that he was aware of the plan in advance and it was the plan made by the leadership group during the 3rd day's lunch break. As a result ICC handed Smith 2 demerit points and his 100% match fee was deducted. Also Bancroft was handed 3 demerit points and 75% of his match fee was deducted. Warner was also found responsible for the development of the plan and also found teaching the technique of how to do it to Bancroft, by cricket Australia.

Australian Prime Minister wasn't happy and called Cricket Australia's  chairman and asked him to take a strict action. As a result Cricket Australia ordered all three players to return to Australia after the 3rd test. Later, Warner received a 12-month suspension from the international and domestic cricket and would not be considered for team leadership positions in the future. Smith and Bancroft received a 12-month and a 9-month suspension respectively and both of them would not be considered for team leader positions for the next 12 months by the time they would have started playing again.

Was Cricket Australia's decision correct?

Now as soon as you represent your country, you have a certain responsibilities. A lot of people from your country expect a lot from you. A lot of youngsters consider you as their idol. The whole country is right behind you to support. After all these things, if this kind of incident happens, you let your country down.

So, according to me, whatever steps Cricket Australia took were right. They have shown that if this happens again in future, what the results could be. Also they have sent  the message that they want their team to play fair irrespective of whatever the situation is.