Redemption For David Warner, Cricket Australia Lifts Leadership Ban Six Years After Ball-Tampering Scandal

Cricket Australia has lifted the lifetime leadership which was imposed on David Warner after a review by an independent three member panel. The move will now allow Warner to captain Sydney Thunder in the upcoming BBL season as he was not allowed to indulge in any kind of leadership role following the ban.

Warner also had a year long playing ban following the ball tampering scandal in 2018 in South Africa. He lodged an appeal with the CA to have his leadership ban modified and the Conduct Commission found out that the player met all the necessary criteria.

A Cricket Australia statement read, “In its decision the panel noted ‘the respectful and contrite tone of his [Warner’s] responses, as well as the content impressed the Review Panel and led it to the unanimous view that he was sincere and genuine in acknowledging responsibility for the conduct and in his statement that he had extreme remorse for his conduct’.

“The panel also considered references citing ‘the contribution that Mr Warner has made, and can make in the future, towards the development of young cricketers in Australia if they were given the opportunity to be led by Mr Warner, his important continuing role in fostering interest in cricket especially with the South Asian community in Australia and generally’.”

Warner also successfully led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the IPL title in 2016 and also captained Delhi Capitals. Warner had hoped to lead Australia in the T20Is late in his career but he announced his retirement from all formats after the T20 World Cup in June.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley expresses his delight following the latest development.

He said, “In 2022 we updated the Code of Conduct to ensure there was a fair and rigorous process in place for all players and player support personnel to have long-term sanctions reviewed.

“I am pleased David has chosen to have his sanction reviewed and that he will be eligible to take up leadership positions in Australian Cricket this summer.”