- Lifelong captaincy ban imposed following the 2018 sandpaper scandal
- Warner was also banned from the sport for 12 months
- Now looming as Sydney Thunder’s Big Bash skipper
David Warner’s lifetime captaincy ban has been sensationally lifted by Cricket Australia, paving the way for the batting dynamo to potentially captain the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash.
Warner received the punishment for his role in South Africa’s 2018 sandpaper scandal, on top of a one-year ban from cricket, which was also imposed on Steve Smith, with a lesser playing ban for Cameron Bancroft, who was caught film-rubbing. the ball with yellow sandpaper at Cape Town.
But the leadership sanction was lifted by an independent three-member review panel which ruled that the reckless opener had met the necessary criteria.
It’s a huge boost for Warner and the Thunder in a week where the former Test opener hinted he was available for the upcoming India series if selectors require his services at the top of the order.
Warner appeared before Alan Sullivan, Jeff Gleeson and Jane Seawright earlier this month, with the content of the independent panel meeting the criteria to be considered for future leadership roles.
‘The respectful and contrite tone of his (Warner’s) responses, as well as their content, impressed the review panel and led to the unanimous view that he was sincere and forthright in admitting responsibility for the conduct and in stating that he was extremely was remorseful for his conduct,” the panel said.
‘Mr Warner’s behavior since the imposition of the sanction has been excellent and he appears to have made a substantial change, an example of which is that he no longer wears down or tries to provoke the opponent.
‘The review panel is more than satisfied that Mr Warner will not engage in conduct similar to that which occurred in 2018 and which led to the sanction, and that the sanction has therefore had the relevant quality of specific deterrence .’
David Warner’s lifetime captaincy ban has been lifted by Cricket Australia (pictured, with wife Candice Warner)
The decision paves the way for Warner to potentially captain the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash (pictured, at the crease in 2023)
Warner received rave reviews from a number of high-profile references and is now free to take on leadership roles in Australian competitions, with Chris Green as the incumbent Thunder skipper.
Cricket NSW welcomed Friday’s decision, with the Thunder starting their BBL campaign against the Strikers on December 17.
“David is a valued member of the Sydney Thunder family and has shown tremendous leadership qualities at the club over the past two seasons,” said Thunder chief executive Trent Copeland.
“This decision provides us with the opportunity to consider David for further leadership roles at Sydney Thunder, but also gives him the opportunity to embrace other leadership opportunities within and outside of cricket.”
Warner had made pleas to CA before his international retirement about the severity of his leadership ban, and CA chief Nick Hockley said updated rules allowed the sanction to be changed.
“In 2022 we updated the Code of Conduct to ensure there was a fair and rigorous process for all players and player support staff to have long-term sanctions reviewed,” he said.
“I am pleased that David has chosen to have his sanction reviewed and will be considered for leadership positions in Australian cricket this summer.”
Warner is expected to play almost a full season in the BBL with the Thunder this summer.