Cricket Australia (CA) has scrapped the lifetime leadership ban on David Warner that was controversially handed down in the wake of the Newlands ball-tampering incident.

The suspension had been the last remaining sanction in place from the “Sandpapergate” saga, of which Warner was considered the architect.

An independent three-member review panel unanimously determined Warner met the criteria to have his ban overturned after the former Test opener lodged an appeal with CA.

The decision paves the way for Warner to hold a formal leadership role with the BBL’s Sydney Thunder this summer.