Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: David Warner’s lifetime ban from holding a leadership role in Australian cricket has been lifted. The ban was imposed following the ball-tampering scandal in 2018. Warner, now 37, presented his case to a three-person panel, which found he met all criteria for the ban to be removed.
The panel noted Warner’s “respectful and contrite tone” and his acceptance of responsibility for his actions.
Warner, no longer playing international cricket, can now pursue leadership roles, including with his Big Bash League team, Sydney Thunder.
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.”
Warner was a central figure in the 2018 “Sandpaper-gate” incident, conspiring with then-captain Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft to alter the ball’s surface illegally. He was suspended for a year and given a lifetime ban from leadership positions.
In his appeal to overturn the ban, Warner included references from current Australian captain Pat Cummins, coach Andrew McDonald, and former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.
