David Warner finally has his leadership ban overturned by Cricket Australia after it was imposed six years ago.
David Warner has seen his lifetime leadership ban overturned by Cricket Australia following a review by CA’s Conduct Commission.
After being banned from captaining any Australian side due to the sandpaper incident in Cape Town in 2018, he is now eligible to lead Sydney Thunder in the next BBL.
Following modifications to the code of conduct in 2022, the three-member Conduct Commission unanimously determined that Warner had satisfied the requirements to have his ban removed. The CA revealed the results of the review on Friday.
“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’,” CA’s statement said.
“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’.”
After agreeing to a one-year playing ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal. Warner submitted an appeal in 2018 to have the leadership ban changed. In 2022, he had vehemently withdrawn from a bid to have his suspension lifted.
While Steven Smith, who was also barred from playing for a year due to his involvement in the scandal, has since returned to captain the Australian Test and ODI teams and is still the current Test vice-captain, Warner had long been frustrated that he had been prohibited from leading any Australian team.
Warner wanted to have the opportunity to skipper Australia’s T20 team towards the end of his international career. This was before retiring from all forms after the T20 World Cup in June. He was similarly frustrated by the six-year process.
CA CEO Nick Hockley said he was please Warner’s ban had been overturned.
“In 2022 we updated the Code of Conduct. This was to ensure there was a fair and rigorous process in place. This was for all players and player support personnel to have long-term sanctions reviewed,” Hockley said.
“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.”