Rajasthan Royals release Steve Smith after intense discussion

Rajasthan Royals have decided against renewing the contract of their high-profile captain Steve Smith ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League this year. Under Smith’s captaincy, the inaugural edition champions RR finished last in the last IPL in the UAE, where the star Australian batsman played all the 14 league matches and scored 311 runs at a strike rate of 131.