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[Saba Sports News] Cricket Australia has lifted the lifetime leadership ban on David Warner, making him eligible to captain Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
Earlier this month, Warner presented his case to an independent three-member panel, which concluded that he had met all the necessary criteria for the ban to be lifted immediately.
“The respectful and contrite tone of his responses, along with his genuine remorse, impressed the Review Panel,” the panel stated, noting that Warner had shown “excellent conduct” and a “substantial change” in behavior, including an end to on-field sledging.
Warner’s ban followed the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering incident, where, as vice-captain, he was identified as the instigator, leading to a lifetime leadership ban and a one-year suspension.
He appealed the leadership ban in 2022 but later withdrew, expressing frustration with the review process. Warner has since announced his retirement from all international formats, with the 2024 T20 World Cup set to be his final tournament for Australia.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s CEO, commented, “In 2022, we updated the Code of Conduct to ensure a fair process for reviewing long-term sanctions. I am pleased David has chosen to have his sanction reviewed.”
During the latest review, Warner received support from current Test captain Pat Cummins, head coach Andrew McDonald, and former captains Greg Chappell and Lisa Sthalekar, as well as New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.