Cricket: How ball tampering scandal is starting to cost Aussies big

David Warner. Photo / Getty Images

Australia's biggest scandal in years could come at a huge financial cost for the three players involved, with sponsors starting to cut ties.

Australia cricket captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft have all been sent home from the tour of South Africa for their role in a cheating plot and face "significant sanctions" in the next 24 hours, Australian cricket chief James Sutherland announced today.

For Warner, it was the first time his role in the scandal was officially confirmed, and is likely to be permanently fired as vice-captain.

If so, it would follow a day where he took some sizeable hits, having stepped down as captain of Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad, and having lost one of his sponsors.

As the fallout of the ball-tamping bombshell continues, Warner today stepped down in his role with Hyderabad, following Smith stepping down as skipper of Rajasthan Royals yesterday.

"In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain," Sunrisers chief executive K Shanmugam said of Warner, who led the side to their first IPL title in 2016.

As Australian cricket's most marketable players, the revelations could come at a significant financial cost for both Smith and Warner, who could potentially lose their IPL gigs, while Warner is the first player to lose sponsorship.

Electronics company LG have today confirmed that they are cutting ties with Warner.

"LG's current sponsorship of David Warner is in the final weeks, and in light of recent events we have decided not to renew our partnership," they said in a statement.

It will be a blow to Warner, who is reportedly on AU$1.4m, while Smith is paid a base salary of AU$2m. That's before match payments, win bonuses and marketing fees.

Smith has a number of personal sponsors including New Balance, who elevated him to the status of "global ambassador" last year.

Warner's official website, DW31, lists his "brand partners" as Gray-Nicolls, Asics, Nestle Milo, Channel 9 and Toyota.

Under a new pay deal struck with the players, Smith, Warner and Bancroft were set for a significant financial windfall.

However, with suspensions looming and reputations ruined, any potential financial gains is likely to be reduced dramatically for the disgraced players.