The lifetime suspension from any leadership position in the Australian cricket team that was imposed on veteran David Warner in the aftermath of a 2018 ball-tampering incident was lifted on Friday. This came after the 37-year-old addressed the panel with the purpose of having the conditions of the original punishment reviewed. The panel members found, after contemplating the facts of the case, that all the requirements for the immediate removal of the ban had been satisfied by Warner, including his “respectful and contrite tone,” and his acknowledgment of his actions. Although Warner has since announced his retirement from international cricket, this ruling gives him the possibility for taking up a leadership position in his Big Bash League team, which is the Sydney Thunder.
“This summer, I am happy that, following his sanction period, David will be able to take up any leadership role in Australian cricket and allow his sanction to be reviewed,” Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley said.
In the 2018 saga, dubbed ‘Sandpaper-gate’, Warner was portrayed as the principal antagonist after he was implicated in a plot with then captain Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft to effect illegal changes to the ball.
He received a one year ban from the game, and a lifetime suspension from holding any captaincy position
In his quest to lift the ban, Warner submitted supporting documents that included Australian captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald.
So did the former captain of New Zealand Kane Williamson who also provided evidence in support.
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