Cricket Australia (CA) imposed a lifetime captaincy ban on David Warner after he was involved in the sandpaper gate scandal along with mates Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith. The incident took place in 2018 during a test match against South Africa. As a result, skipper Smith and his deputy Warner were banned for 12 months from playing cricket, whereas Bancroft was suspended for nine months.
Warner, who was said to have 'chiefly' involved in it, was banned since the board announced that he 'will no longer be considered for a senior leadership role in future by CA.' At the same time, it was decided that Steve would not carry on any leadership roles for the next two years. He was immediately replaced by Tim Paine, who was further replaced by Pat Cummins following his involvement in the sexting scandal.
Warner has asked CA to approach him to lift the lifetime captaincy ban since the board has 'negotiated' for him with UAE's ILT20 to play him in the Big Bash League (BBL). It was heard that the opener would represent Dubai Capitals in the newly-launched tournament, a franchise owned by Warner's Indian Premier League team, Delhi Capitals.
CA has played every crucial move to let Warner participate for the first time in BBL since 2013. He has been handed over a two-year contract to play for Sydney Thunder. Since Usman Khawaja has been moved to the Brisbane team, Thunder now need a new skipper. Warner believes he can carry on the duties once the ban is lifted.
"That hasn't really been brought to the table," Warner said on Sunday. "As I've said plenty of times off the record, it's upon the board to reach out to me and open their doors. Then I can sit down and have an honest conversation with them.
"The board has changed since back in 2018 and when all those sanctions were dealt. It would be great to have a conversation with them and see where we are at. I've got the experience, I'm a leader in the side anyway without having a title," he said. "That's what I'm about, giving back, so if they [younger players] can pick my brains in any way, my phone is always there, they have my number, and they can see me when I'm at the practice facilities."
The skipper of the club Thunder will be announced any day close to the tournament.
