David Warner’s captaincy ban lifted, set to lead Sydney Thunder in Big Bash League | Cricket News

A couple of days after admitting he is willing to backflip on his retirement, David Warner is again in the news. The 37-year-old has been cleared to lead Sydney Thunders in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL). David Warner was imposed a lifetime ban in the wake of the 2018 sandpaper scandal.
David Warner’s ban has been lifted Cricket Australia’s (CA) Conduct Commission, following a unanimous decision an independent three-member Review Panel.
“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 in its decision published on Friday.
“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.
Australia’s David Warner bats during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket match between Australia and Bangladesh in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladk
“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.”
Backing from Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia had not opposed Warner’s challenge to the ban, and confirmed that he is eligible to take on leadership positions in all Australian cricket competitions.
“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,” Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley said today.
David Warner touches a plaque installed at the SCG in memory of Phil Hughes before going out to bat. (Reuters)
“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.”
Support from the franchise
David Warner, who has captained the Sydney Thunder in the past was accompanied Thunder general manager, Trent Copeland to the hearing.
“There has been a real shift in Dave, his demeanour, how he carries himself,” Copeland told the panel.
“It’s had a profound impact on him and certain behaviours, if you will, prior to 2018 that Dave was referencing, and … the sledging or the you know, other things that might come naturally to professional cricket, there’s been a real line in the sand that just does not appear anymore with David Warner on a cricket field.”