Code of conduct change paves way for Warner to get lifetime leadership ban lifted

David Warner is free to try and have his lifelong leadership ban overturned after Cricket Australia approved changes to its code of conduct.

Under the new rules, players and officials will be able to have long-term sanctions changed if they can show remorse and a change in behaviour.

The decision comes after Warner has long pressed to be able to return to a leadership position after being banned for life following the ball-tampering scandal.

Previously, players and officials could not have a ban reviewed once they had accepted the initial sanctions. But Monday’s changes, approved by the CA board, will make the process possible.

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“Any applications will be considered by a three-person Review Panel, comprising independent Code of Conduct Commissioners, which must be satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist to justify modifying a sanction,” CA said in a statement.

(Photo by Paul Kane – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

CA stressed that any application would not be a review of the initial ban, but rather of the player’s behaviour since and justification for lifting sanctions.

“These circumstances and considerations will include whether the subject of the sanction has demonstrated genuine remorse,” the statement read.

“The subject’s conduct and behaviour since the imposition of the sanction.

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“Whether rehabilitation programs have been completed undertaken (if applicable) and the length of time that has passed since the sanction was imposed and whether sufficient time has passed to allow for reform or rehabilitation.”

It means Warner can now push to lead the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, as well as hope to stand in as captain of the one-day side as one of several deputies.

The leadership of Australia’s T20 team is also likely to be up for grabs in the next six months, as Aaron Finch weighs up his future.

Warner said last week he planned to play on in T20 cricket until at least the end of the 2024 World Cup, and that he was hopeful of having a hearing on his ban heard this month.

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