David Warner, when addressing the press in Sydney on January 1, ahead of his farewell Test match against Pakistan starting on January 3, was well aware that inquiries about his involvement in the widely publicised 2018 ball-tampering scandal would arise. Additionally, during the media conference, Warner revealed his retirement from ODI cricket, effectively concluding a remarkable career, mere weeks after the Australian cricket team's World Cup triumph.
The 37-year-old expressed that he has "no regrets" regarding his career. He emphasised that he has moved past the ball-tampering saga with dignity. The left-handed opener, set to play his final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, reflected on giving his all with passion and commitment to the national team since returning from the one-year ban imposed on him for his role in the scandal.
"I knew a question like this was going to come up," Warner said.
Warner acknowledged the crucial support he received from his wife, Candice, and those around him during the challenging period. He noted that the year-long break allowed him to contemplate and gather his thoughts about both his life and the game.
In the third Test match against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town in March 2018, television cameras captured Cameron Bancroft attempting to alter one side of the ball using sandpaper. The purpose was to manipulate the ball's condition to benefit the Australian bowlers. Subsequent investigations revealed that Warner masterminded the plan, providing instructions to Bancroft on how to execute the tampering and even demonstrating the technique.
In response to the incident, Cricket Australia imposed stringent penalties. Warner, alongside captain Steve Smith and Bancroft, received substantial sanctions. He was subjected to a twelve-month suspension from participating in all international and domestic cricket. Additionally, Warner was prohibited from assuming any leadership position within the Australian team in the future.
"When I left Africa, the first five or six people that came up to me were priests and gave me a card. Then we went on a holiday to Singapore after that and there was a big church convention. I then sat back and spoke to Candice, and said someone is clearly watching down upon us," he added.
"That's a lesson that I learned. Then spending time at home with the kids, was unbelievable. I enjoyed that. I spent a lot of time with my wife. We are sort of disconnected in a way when we travel a lot," he added.
"Reflecting back on that whole period, my whole career, I've got no regrets because you are going to have a lot of hurdles you are going to have to jump. There's going to be obstacles in the way, but you have to move forward and I've done that with dignity. I've got a lot of passion for the game and it was important from my perspective that I'm giving back, making sure that I gained the respect back but making sure I'm putting Australian cricket first. I want every young kid who wants to play cricket to dream of playing for Australia and that's what was really important for me when I came back," the opener said.
ON APPEAL AGAINST LEADERSHIP BAN
In 2022, Warner attempted to challenge Cricket Australia's permanent ban on him holding leadership roles. However, he later decided to withdraw his appeal, citing dissatisfaction with the process. Warner criticised an independent panel, accusing them of neglecting the welfare of his family and teammates. He suggested that the hearing would resemble a public lynching and expressed disagreement with offensive and unhelpful comments made by counsel assisting the panel.
Ultimately, Warner opted to prioritise his well-being and that of his family, acknowledging the possibility that he might never assume a leadership position again within the Australian cricket team.
"When I look back at that, it can be handled differently. But I think Nick (Hockley, CA's chief executive) did his ultimate best to put that forward to the board and the decision was made, and I'm happy with that. I've moved forward from that. I've got opportunities to lead in the IPL, to lead in the ILT20. I've enjoyed my leadership roles. But for me, in recent years, I've learned that leadership (isn't about) wearing a captain or vice-captain badges. It's about being true to yourself, setting an example both on and off the field. For me, I think I'm a leader in this team no matter what. You don't need that C or VC next to your name," he added.
However, Warner assumed leadership roles for IPL teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC), as well as other teams in franchise-based T20I leagues, following his comeback from the ball-tampering scandal.
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