SYDNEY — Cricket Australia has decided to lift the lifetime ban on David Warner regarding his ability to captain and hold leadership positions within the sport. This decision paves the way for the former test player to possibly take on the role of captain for the Sydney Thunder in this season’s Twenty20 Big Bash League.

Warner had been handed the ban due to his involvement in the infamous sandpaper scandal that took place during a series in South Africa in 2018. Alongside his lifetime leadership prohibition, Warner also faced a one-year ban from playing cricket, a sanction similarly directed at Steve Smith, while Cameron Bancroft was hit with a shorter suspension for directly participating in the act of tampering with the ball using yellow sandpaper during a test match held in Cape Town.

The independent review panel, consisting of three members, announced on Friday that they had lifted Warner’s leadership ban, concluding that he had fulfilled the requirements necessary for future leadership opportunities. Earlier this month, Warner appeared before this independent panel, and their assessment determined he was eligible for roles in leadership going forward.

In their statement released on Friday, the panel expressed that they were impressed by the respectful and remorseful nature of Warner’s responses during the review process. They unanimously concluded that he showed genuine acknowledgment of responsibility for his past actions, coupled with a profound sense of regret. “Mr. Warner’s conduct and behavior since the imposition of the sanction has been excellent,” the panel noted, adding that he seems to have undergone a significant change, as evidenced by his decision to cease sledging or attempting to provoke opposing teams.

Having played his last test match in January against Pakistan, during which Australia emerged victorious, Warner has announced he will no longer participate in one-day internationals and will focus solely on the T20 format.

This development could be seen as a timely birthday gift for Warner, who will celebrate his 38th birthday on Sunday.