Australian opener David Warner has opened up on the lifetime leadership ban imposed on him by Cricket Australia in 2018. He expressed that he is not “a criminal”, and should have the right to appeal for the ban to be lifted by the board. The lifetime ban was imposed by Cricket Australia following the Sandpaper ball-tampering incident in South Africa.
Four years after the incident, Australian cricket is looking for a leader in white-ball cricket. Former skipper Aaron Finch announced his retirement from ODIs, following Australia’s exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup. Opening batter David Warner will be one of the candidates who can take up the responsibility. Cricket Australia on Monday, amended its code of conduct, which will allow Warner to request a review of his lifetime ban.
Speaking about it to the Australian media, David Warner said, as quoted by Times Now, “It’s a tad disappointing that when you make a decision in 2018 it’s in four days, and then this takes nine months. It’s been drawn out and it’s traumatic for my family and me and everyone else who was involved in it – we don’t need to relive what happened.”
Banning someone for life is a bit harsh: David Warner
David Warner further expressed that he should get the right to appeal to Cricket Australia to review their decision. He added that it’s harsh to impose a lifetime ban on any player. Warner stated that he is a leader in the side, and doesn’t necessarily have to be the captain or vice-captain.
“I’m not a criminal. You should get the right to an appeal at some stage. I understand that they put a ban in place, but banning someone for life, I think it’s a bit harsh. I’m a leader in the team, no matter what. You don’t need to see a C (captain) or a VC (vice-captain) next to my name,” said David Warner.
Australia will take on England in the third ODI on Tuesday, November 22 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The hosts have an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series so far.
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