Vernon Philander apologizes for ‘drama and entertainment caused’ after tweet slamming Smith

South African fast bowler Vernon Philander has claimed that his Twitter account was hacked after his tweet about the shoulder nudge between Protea bowler Kagiso Rabada and Australia captain Steve Smith stirred a controversy.

Rabada has been handed over a two test matches ban after accumulating eight demerit points over a 24-month period following violating ICC’s code of conduct and making ‘inappropriate and deliberate physical contact’ with Steve Smith after taking his scalp in the first innings of the second Test.

The tweet posted on Philander’s said that it was Smith who gave Rabada the shoulder and Steve Smith could have avoided any contact. “To me, Smith is just as guilty,” it said. But, Later Philander tweeted on Thursday that his account was hacked and apologized for the offending tweet.

Good morning all my tweeps. Waking up this morning to alot of twitter craziness as my acc got hacked and someone posted a nice little article on my behalf. Sorry for all the drama or entertainment caused by the looks of it. Have a great day all.

— Vernon Philander (@VDP_24) March 15, 2018

Rabada has appealed against the ban and the ICC has confirmed it. It stated that the governing body would now appoint a Judicial commissioner as soon as possible and hearing details would soon be confirmed.

Typically, once the independent commissioner is appointed within 48 hours after receiving players’ appeal and the hearing is held within seven days. Cricket South Africa can advocate putting Rabada’s suspension on hold while the appeal is pending allowing him to play in the third Test at Newlands starting next Thursday.

Also Read: Rabada crowned as World’s No.1 Test bowler

Virat behaved like a clown and not reprimanded: Paul Harris

Former South African cricketer, Paul Harris had earlier jumped in the Rabada-Steve controversy. He tweeted claiming that Kohli kept behaving like a clown during India’s tour of South Africa and yet ICC (International Cricket Council) took no action against him.

If he has to then everyone does. I watched Kohli behave like a clown for three tests here in SA and nothing. Seems to me that @ICC either have an issue with Rabada or with the Proteas in general.

— paul harris (@paulharris12) March 12, 2018

During the South Africa-India series, the ICC had sanctioned Virat Kohli for reportedly complaining to the umpires about a damp ball and then he had thrown the ball to the floor aggressively in the second test against South Africa in Pretoria. He was handed over one demerit point was fined with 25 percent of his match fee.