Warner leadership ban lifted ahead of BBL|14 in Thunder boost

David Warner is free to captain the Sydney Thunder in BBL|14, following Cricket Australia’s Conduct Commission’s decision to modify his lifetime leadership ban.

Warner, who retired from international cricket following the T20 World Cup this year, was banned from leadership positions following his role in the infamous “sandpaper-gate”, which also saw captain Steve Smith and opener Cameron Bancroft rubbed out.

In a unanimous decision, the independent three-member Review Panel determined that Warner had met the necessary criteria to have the ban lifted.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Nick Hockley said Warner had done his time.

“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.”

The hearing took place after Warner lodged an application to have the ban imposed in 2018 modified pursuant to Article 10 of the Code of Conduct.

Warner will now be eligible to hold leadership roles in all Australian Cricket competitions.

Warner’s Big Bash League team the Sydney Thunder are yet to announce their captain for the upcoming season, with Chris Green guiding them to a fourth-placed finish last year.

The Thunder, with Warner expected to play the entire season with no Test commitments, loom as a major threat in BBL14, with cricket betting sites pricing them at $8 to win the T20 competition.

Sports betting news