Sydney – Cricket Australia (CA) are likely to revoke David Warner’s lifetime suspension from leadership posts after declaring that the organization’s integrity code will be reviewed at Friday’s board meeting as a “first step” in his rehabilitation.
CA banned the now-35-year-old batsman from the elite game for one year and from leadership roles for life after concluding that he had a key part in the 2018 Newlands ball-tampering affair.
This year, present and past players have demanded that the leadership ban be lifted so Warner can be considered for the vacant position of Australia’s one-day international captaincy.
Cricket Australia is of the opinion that David is performing exceptionally well on the field and making a significant contribution, CA chairman Lachlan Henderson said at a news conference following Thursday’s annual general meeting.
“Regarding David’s leadership suspension, the first step is to analyze the code and determine whether those consequences are subject to reconsideration. And the necessary code modifications that would be required.”
Any player who accepts a punishment under the present code of conduct, as Warner did, waives the right to a later review of the sentence.
Henderson and chief executive Nick Hockley stated that the code must recognize that sanctioned players can change.
Hockley told reporters, “We are considering reviewing sanctions for excellent behavior and improvement after a period of time.”
“Subsequent to tomorrow’s debate, a rewrite of the code would be required, which would require board approval.”
Henderson stated that the evaluation would be conducted “as soon as possible.”
“Delaying is not in anyone’s best interest,” he remarked. “The time has come for any future leadership discussions regarding David.”
Warner, a former test vice-captain, has stated that he would view the opportunity to lead his country as a “honor.”
CA declared a A$5.1 million ($3.20 million) net loss for the 2021-22 financial year at its annual general meeting, attributing the 3.5% decline in revenue to a decline in the international sports media rights market.
($1 is equivalent to $1.5931 Australian dollars)
(Reporting and editing by Nick Mulvenney and Peter Rutherford)