Cricket news: David Warner’s leadership ban set to continue

David Warner is a ‘massive asset to the game’ and his leadership is ‘outstanding’ according to Cricket Australia. So why won’t they rule on his lifetime ban? HAVE YOUR SAY.

David Warner.

Cricket Australia has lauded David Warner for his “outstanding’’ leadership but has declined to lift the life ban on him having an official role.

Warner was banned for life from holding an official leadership position in Australian cricket after his role in the ball tampering affair in South Africa in 2018.

With the Big Bash keen to lure Australia’s biggest names back to the fold to enhance faltering television ratings there is a feeling the scrapping of the ban would open the way for Warner to return.

Australian captain Pat Cummins recently joined the push for Warner’s return when he said he disagreed with life bans, saying “people are allowed to learn and improve and grow.’’

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Cricket Australia will not discuss David Warner’s leadership ban at its next board meeting.

Cricket Australia’s board met in Brisbane on Thursday and chief executive Nick Hockley said before entering it there was no official move in place to end the ban.

“We will have a broad discussion,’’ Hockley said.

“There has been some media discussion but in terms of any motion or recommendation that is not on the agenda.

“One thing I will say is Davey’s leadership around the group – and I have had the privilege of being in Pakistan and Sri Lanka – is just outstanding.

“He is a massive asset to the game. We are really keen to support him on his broader leadership journey and the contribution he has made over the last couple of tours has been outstanding.’’

Hockley, in Brisbane for the reopening of Allan Border Field after a $19 million renovation, said CA would keep an open mind on the possibility of Big Bash teams being privately owned but there was not an immediate push to make it happen.

Leadership opportunities were considered a way for Warner to return to the BBL.

Nick Hockley.

Several big voices have called for CA to privatise the competition to try and keen pace with bigger spending rival leagues.

“Private investment is something we will keep looking at but it is not our main priority which is making this summer as big as it can possibly be.

“We have a fantastic schedule and we are in prime time every night next summer throughout the holidays.

“It is something we will keep an eye on but it is not something we are in a rush to explore. Our priority is making sure this season is as big as it can possibly be.’’

Hockley would not be drawn into speculation over the future of Channel 7 who are taking court action in a bid to end the last two years of their six year contract.

“I can’t really comment because it is going through a legal process but what I will say is we have got a phenomenal program.

“We are committed to filling all our obligations with the agreement.’’

Originally published as Cricket news: David Warner’s leadership ban set to continue