Cricket Australia overturns David Warner's lifetime leadership ban ahead of BBL 2024-25

Following a review by Cricket Australia, the board has decided to overturn retired opener David Warner's lifetime leadership ban effective immediately. The apex body of cricket in Australia unveiled the findings of an independent conduct commission review, with the three-member panel unanimously deciding that the 37-year-old had met the necessary criteria to have the ban lifted.

In the wake of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal that took place during the South Africa tour, Cricket Australia banned the southpaw from taking up any leadership roles. This was after he copped a one-year ban from all cricket.

Cricket Australia released a statement which said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:

"In its decision the panel noted 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 also considered references citing the contribution that Mr Warner has made, and can make in the future, towards the development of young cricketers in Australia if they were given the opportunity to be led by Mr Warner, his important continuing role in fostering interest in cricket especially with the South Asian community in Australia and generally."

The retired Aussie cricketer will be eligible to lead the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL). He has had previous captaincy experience with the SunRisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

David Warner open to reversing retirement ahead of Test series against India

David Warner. (Image Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, the destructive opener has offered to reverse his retirement, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India looming. He told News Corp recently:

"I'm always available, just got to pick up the phone. I’m always dead serious. Let’s be honest, the guys have played one red ball game (first round of the shield) since their last Test matches in February, so I’ve almost had the same preparation. Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play. I did retire for the right reasons to finish the game, and I wanted to finish. (But) my hand is up if they desperately need someone."

The five-Test series against India begins on November 22 in Perth.

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