David Warner has had a lifetime leadership ban lifted by Cricket Australia.

The controversial left-hand batter had the lifetime ban imposed on him following the infamous and devastating 2018 Cape Town ball tampering scandal, which Warner is accused of being the mastermind of.

Cameron Bancroft – who was busted rubbing sandpaper on the ball during a Test against South Africa – and then-captain Steve Smith were also sanctioned.

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Warner has maintained his belief he was made a scapegoat for the incident and says he was disproportianately punished.

Friday’s announcement allows Warner to captain the Sydney Thunder in the BBL this season if elected.

Warner had to plead his case in front of a three-man panel earlier this month.

Alan Sullivan KC, Jeff Gleeson KC and Jane Seawright agreed the lifetime ban on Warner should be lifted with immediate effect.

“The respectful and contrite tone of his (Warner’s) responses, as well as the content impressed the review panel and led it to the unanimous view that he was sincere and genuine in acknowledging responsibility for the conduct and in his statement that he had extreme remorse for his conduct,” a statement on Friday said.

“Mr Warner’s conduct and behaviour since the imposition of the sanction has been excellent and he appears to have made a substantial change, one example of which is that he no longer sledges or tries to provoke the opposing team.

“The review panel is more than satisfied that Mr Warner will not engage in any conduct similar to that which occurred in 2018 which resulted in the sanction and that the sanction has thus had the relevant quality of specific deterrence.”

The ugly 2018 incident led to coach Darren Lehmann quitting his post and a wholesale review of the national men’s team’s culture.

Warner retired from international cricket earlier this year but has committed to playing the BBL with the Thunder.

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley backed the decision to lift the ban.

“In 2022 we updated the code of conduct to ensure there was a fair and rigorous process in place for all players and player support personnel to have long-term sanctions reviewed,” Hockley said in a statement.

“I am pleased David has chosen to have his sanction reviewed and that he will be eligible to take up leadership positions in Australian cricket this summer.”