• Home
  • Cricket News
  • David Warner Eligible To Lead Sydney Thunder As His Captaincy Ban Gets Lifted Before Bbl 14

David Warner Eligible To Lead Sydney Thunder As His Captaincy Ban Gets Lifted Before BBL 14

Warner's leadership ban has been lifted [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]Warner's leadership ban has been lifted [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]

In a significant development, Cricket Australia (CA) has finally lifted the leadership ban on David Warner. The veteran opener got the lifetime ban modified by a three-member panel comprising Alan Sullivan KC, Jeff Gleeson KC and Jane Seawright. 

Why Did CA Ban Warner From Leadership?

During Australia's 2018 Cape Town Test against South Africa, experienced opener David Warner, the then-captain Steve Smith, and top-order batter Cameron Bancroft were caught tampering with the ball. Following the scandalous incident, CA sanctioned Smith and Warner with a lifetime leadership ban besides a one-year ban from competitive cricket. 

However, Warner appeared before a three-member panel to challenge the decision. He eventually succeeded in his attempt, with the committee asking the CA to lift the lifetime ban. 

"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 stated as quoted by Cricket.com.au. 

David Warner Eligible To Lead Sydney Thunder In BBL 14

Despite retiring from first-class and international limited-overs cricket, Warner is still active in the Big Bash League. As he is no longer committed to the Australian side, the southpaw will likely devote his time and energy to the Thunder this year. He has been an absolute legend with the bat and might also lead the Sydney-based franchise in the lucrative tournament. 

Recently, Warner also expressed his desire to consider a retirement reversion and make himself available for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year. Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins is also keen to welcome him, considering the hosts have a top-order conundrum heading into the series.