Cricket Australia lifted David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban on October 25. The review panel noted that Warner showed a respectful tone and accepted responsibility for his actions.
Warner was banned from leadership roles after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, where he, then-captain Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft used sandpaper to tamper with the ball during a Test in South Africa.
Six years after the ban, Warner can now lead teams within Cricket Australia again, having met the requirements to remove the ban. Although Warner doesn’t play international cricket, he has stayed active in franchise leagues worldwide and can now pursue leadership roles, like at Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League.
Cricket Australia Chief Nick 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.”
Although Warner retired from international cricket, he recently said he is ready to return if Australia needs an opener for the Border Gavaskar Trophy series against India.
“I’m always available; just got to pick up the phone. I’m always dead serious. Let’s be honest; the guys have only played one red-ball game (first round of the shield) since their last Tests in February, so my preparation has been almost the same,” Warner told Code Sports.
“Honestly, if they really needed me for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next Shield game and get out there. I retired for the right reasons, but my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I won’t shy away from that.”
However, Australian captain Pat Cummins closed the door on Warner’s return, wishing him luck with Sydney Thunder, even though the team is dealing with Cameron Green’s injury ahead of the series.
