Cricket Australia (CA) lifted the captaincy ban for life David Warnerallowing him to potentially lead the Big Major League (BBL) Sydney Thunder team.
In 2018, a life ban stemming from the ball-tampering scandal banned Warner from playing any leadership role in the Australian cricket establishment. It was part of a wider ball-tampering incident during a test match against South Africa that resulted in significant scrutiny and criticism of Australian cricket culture. Along with Warner Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroftfaced severe penalties, including removal from leadership positions and bans.
Cricket Australia’s statement on the lifting of David Warner’s captaincy ban
Earlier this month, Warner took his case before an independent three-member panel, which concluded that the 37-year-old met all the requirements for the ban to be lifted immediately.
“The respectful and remorseful tone, as well as the content, of his responses impressed the Review Panel and led them to the unanimous view that he was sincere and honest in accepting responsibility for his conduct and expressing a deep sense of remorse for his conduct. ,” said the panel as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Also READ: Steve Smith and David Warner sign multi-year contracts with Sydney franchise in BBL
“Mr Warner’s behavior and demeanor since the sanction has been excellent and he appears to have made a major change, for example he no longer sleds or tries to provoke the opposing team.
“The Review Board is strongly satisfied that Mr. Warner will not engage in any conduct similar to the actions that occurred in 2018 that resulted in the sanction, and thus the sanction has the appropriate specific deterrent quality.”
Written confirmations for lifting the ban
The panel also received written confirmations from the current Australian Test captain Pat Cumminshead coach Andrew McDonaldformer captain Greg Chappelland former women’s team captain Lisa Sthalekar.
In addition, letters of support came from the New Zealand superstar Kane Williamsonwho is Warner’s teammate Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) In the Indian Premier League (IPL).