Sydney Sixers coach urges Cricket Australia to lift leadership ban on David Warner

BBL side Sydney Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd has requested Cricket Australia to allow veteran opener David Warner to lead his domestic side as he believes that the southpaw is "making a great contribution to the team and to cricket in general across the globe" post the Sandpaper scandal.

Warner and former skipper Steve Smith were handed a 12-month ban from all forms of cricket in March 2018 following their involvement in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, alongside rookie opener Cameron Bancroft.

While the duo was allowed to resume their international careers post the ban, an additional 12-month ban was imposed on Smith from captaincy.

On the other hand, Warner was handed a lifetime ban from leading an Australian team either at the international or domestic level.

While Smith has returned to the leadership group, Warner hasn't. And Shipperd believes that the southpaw has 'served his penance' and that he should be given another opportunity like Smith.

"I think David has served his penance. He's back in the Australian team and making a great contribution to the team and to cricket in general across the globe," Shipperd told SEN 1170 Mornings, as quoted by News18.

"He's a leader without the tag, and I'm sure that's part of the process to bring him back into the fold (of domestic cricket and the Big Bash). I say press the go button there," said Shipperd.

Warner has proved his leadership mettle on several occasions in the past. The champion opener led his former IPL franchise SunRisers Hyderabad to title glory back in 2016, and barring his last season with the set-up, he ensured that he led SRH to the playoffs in every season.

Meanwhile, reports in the Australian media have claimed that CA is mulling over lifting the leadership ban on Warner.

According to News Corp Australia, the top brass at CA will be meeting soon to discuss the possibility of lifting the lifetime ban. The development comes after BBL clubs, including the Sixers, have showcased their interest in roping in Warner as captain and also out of the fear of losing Warner to rival T20 Leagues.