David Warner’s lifetime captaincy ban sensationally LIFTED by Cricket Australia – and now batsman could skipper Sydney Thunder in Big Bash

David Warner’s lifetime captaincy ban has sensationally been lifted by Cricket Australia paving the way for the batting dynamo to potentially captain the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash.

Warner received the penalty for his role in the 2018 sandpaper scandal in South Africa, on top of a one-year ban from cricket, which was also imposed on Steve Smith with a lesser playing suspension given to Cameron Bancroft, who was caught on film rubbing the ball with yellow sandpaper at Cape Town.

But the leadership sanction was lifted by an independent three-member review panel who deemed the swashbuckling opener had met the necessary criteria.

It’s a huge boost for Warner and the Thunder in a week where the former Test opener hinted he was available for the upcoming India series if selectors need his services at the top of the order.

Warner appeared before Alan Sullivan, Jeff Gleeson and Jane Seawright earlier this month, with the independent panel content he met the criteria to be considered for future leadership roles.

‘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.

‘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.

‘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.’

David Warner’s lifetime captaincy ban has been lifted by Cricket Australia (pictured, with his wife Candice Warner)

The decision paves the way for Warner to potentially captain the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash (pictured, at the crease in 2023)

Warner received glowing endorsements from a number of high-profile references and is now free to hold leadership roles in Australian competitions, with Chris Green the incumbent Thunder skipper.

Cricket NSW applauded Friday’s decision, with the Thunder to open their BBL campaign against the Strikers on December 17.

‘David is a valued member of the Sydney Thunder family and has demonstrated tremendous leadership qualities at the club over the last two seasons,’ Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said.

‘This decision provides us with the opportunity to consider David for further leadership roles at Sydney Thunder, but also allows him the chance to embrace other leadership opportunities inside and outside of cricket.’

Warner had made pleas to CA about the severity of his leadership ban before his international retirement, and CA chief Nick Hockley said updated rules allowed for the sanction to be amended.

‘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.’

Warner is expected to play close to a full season in the BBL with the Thunder this summer.