David Warner Lifetime Leadership Ban Lifted by Cricket Australia Ahead of Big Bash League

David Warner's lifetime leadership ban was lifted by Cricket Australia on Friday (October 25) as the review panel unanimously noted the opening batter "respectful and contrite tone" and his acceptance of responsibility for his actions.

Warner received a ban from leadership role following the ball-tampering scandal in 2018. The opening batter was punished along with then skipper Steve Smith and fellow opener Cameron Bancroft for their role in using sandpaper to tamper the ball during a Test in South Africa.

Six years after the ban was imposed, Warner has been freed to take on captaincy within Cricket Australia, having the met all the criteria for the ban to be removed.

Warner, who does not play international cricket, has continued playing in franchise leagues across the globe and can now pursue leadership roles, including one at Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League.

Cricket Australia Chief 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."

Meanwhile, Warner, who has retired from all forms of international cricket, recently said he is ready to come out of retirement if Australia needed an opener for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy Test series against India.

"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," Warner told Code Sports.

"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. I'm not going to shy away from that."

However, the skipper Pat Cummins shut the door on Warner's return, saying good luck with Thunder this year despite the team being hit by an injury to all-rounder Cameron Green ahead of the crucial Test series.

"Dave, we are very interested. We are taking it very seriously, and we'll be in touch, mate," Cummins said during a conversation on The Grade Cricketer podcast.

"I did speak to Dave a couple of days ago, and he was like, 'What do you think?' and I'm like, yeah! Good luck with the Thunder this year. And I will look forward to your comments on Fox."