‘Achieved its purpose’: David Warner’s leadership ban lifted in time for BBL after ‘real shift’

David Warner’s leadership ban is over.

The former Australian opener is clear to once again take on leadership roles within Australian cricket after the lifetime ban placed on him following the 2018 sandpaper scandal was unanimously lifted by an independent panel.

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The ending of his ban comes with immediate effect which means Warner is free to captain or take on other leadership position with the Sydney Thunder in this summer’s Big Bash League.

But the decision comes too late for the soon to be 38-year-old’s hopes of one day leading Australia again after he retired from Test cricket in January and from international white ball cricket after the T20 World Cup in June.

Warner challenged the ban and appeared before the independent three-member panel – comprised of Alan Sullivan KC, Jeff Gleeson KC and Jane Seawright – earlier this month and successfully presented his case.

The panel agreed with Warner’s submission that the sanction placed on him six and a half years ago had “achieved its purpose”.

“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.

“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.”

Cricket Australia had not opposed Warner’s challenge to the ban, and confirmed that he can now take on leadership roles at all levels of Australian cricket.

“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.

“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 has captained the Sydney Thunder in the past and was accompanied by Thunder general manager, and former New South Wales and Australia pace bowler, Trent Copeland to the hearing.

He also received support from current Australian Test captain Pat Cummins, Australian coach Andrew McDonald, Australian cricket legend Greg Chappell and Federation of International Cricketers’ Association president, and former Australian women’s captain, Lisa Sthalekar in the form of written references.

New Zealand Test batter and Warner’s former IPL teammate Kane Williamson even contributed two letters of support.

“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.”