Veteran cricketer David Warner’s lifetime ban from holding any leadership position in Australian cricket, imposed after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, has been lifted as of Friday.
The decision came after the 37-year-old presented his case to a three-member panel, which unanimously agreed that he fulfilled all requirements for the ban’s removal. They remarked on his “respectful and remorseful demeanor” and his acknowledgment of responsibility for his actions.
Although Warner has retired from international cricket, this ruling paves the way for him to assume a leadership role with his Big Bash League team, the Sydney Thunder.
Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley expressed satisfaction with Warner’s decision to have his sanction reviewed, stating that he would be eligible for leadership roles in Australian cricket this summer.
Warner was viewed as the main antagonist in the “Sandpaper-gate” scandal in Cape Town in 2018, where he collaborated with then-captain Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft to illegally manipulate the ball’s surface. As a result, he faced a one-year suspension from playing and a lifetime ban from any leadership role. In his appeal to overturn the ban, Warner submitted references from current Australian captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald, as well as support from former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.
