David Warner’s lifetime captaincy ban has been lifted by Cricket Australia

Months after David Warner’s final international appearance a huge call has been made on his lifetime leadership ban.

David Warner is “going to be spoken about” as a potential captain by Sydney Thunder officials for this year’s BBL competition after the retired former Test star had his lifetime leadership ban lifted effective immediately by Cricket Australia.

Warner received the lifetime ban for his role in the 2018 sandpaper scandal in South Africa, but the sanctions were lifted by an independent three-member review panel who deemed the swashbuckling opener had met the necessary criteria.

It comes in a week where the former Test opener hinted he was available for the upcoming India series if selectors need his services at the top of the order, an offer firmly rebuked by Australian captain Pat Cummins who told his former teammate “good luck for the (Sydney) Thunder” where he could now be skipper.

Chris Green is the incumbent Thunder skipper, while Jason Sangha has also led the side, but Warner is firmly in the mix to captain the team this season according to Thunder general manager Trent Copeland.

Warner has captained in the IPL in the past, with Copeland glad the matter is over and that the batting superstar’s legacy won’t be tarnished by a never-ending ban.

“The fact he can be on the table as a captaincy option is definitely going to be spoken about,” he said, eager to see Warner help young guns like Sam Konstas develop.

“Internally, the chats have already happened in terms of assessing if that will be a good decision. I think that’s a no-brainer.

“Everyone who knows Davey and has watched him over the years has seen him be a great captain and leader, particularly with the bat in hand.”



David Warner could now captain the Sydney Thunder . (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Warner appeared before CA’s independent Conduct Commission panel of Alan Sullivan, Jeff Gleeson and Jane Seawright on October 18 which resolved that he met the criteria to be considered for future leadership roles.

“The respectful and contrite tone of his (Warner’s) responses, as well as the content impressed the Review Panel and led it to the unanimous view that he was sincere and genuine in acknowledging responsibility for the conduct and in his statement that he had extreme remorse for his conduct,” the panel said.

“Mr Warner’s conduct and behaviour since the imposition of the sanction has been excellent and he appears to have made a substantial change, one example of which is that he no longer sledges or tries to provoke the opposing team.

“The review panel is more than satisfied that Mr Warner will not engage in any conduct similar to that which occurred in 2018 which resulted in the sanction and that the sanction has thus had the relevant quality of specific deterrence.”

Cricket NSW applauded Friday’s decision, with the Thunder to open their BBL campaign against the Strikers on December 17.

“David is a valued member of the Sydney Thunder family and has demonstrated tremendous leadership qualities at the club over the last two seasons,” Copeland said.

“This decision provides us with the opportunity to consider David for further leadership roles at Sydney Thunder, but also allows him the chance to embrace other leadership opportunities inside and outside of cricket.”

David Warner speaks to the media during a press conference at Cricket NSW Offices in 2018 after being banned for a year. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Warner had made pleas to CA about the severity of his leadership ban before his international retirement, and CA chief Nick Hockley said updated rules allowed for the sanction to be amended.

“In 2022 we updated the Code of Conduct to ensure there was a fair and rigorous process in place for all players and player support personnel to have long-term sanctions reviewed,” he 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 is expected to play close to a full season in the BBL with the Thunder this summer.

Originally published as David Warner’s lifetime captaincy ban has been lifted by Cricket Australia