In the wake of recent ball-tampering allegations against India A, former Australian cricketer David Warner has urged Cricket Australia (CA) to release an official statement clarifying the incident. Warner claims CA was quick to dismiss the issue without providing a clear explanation to the public, a move he believes requires further scrutiny, especially with India’s highly anticipated tour of Australia underway.

Warner calls for Cricket Australia’s Transparency

Warner, speaking in Sydney, stated that Cricket Australia seemed to have "swept the issue under the rug" following a contentious incident involving a ball change during India A’s tour match against Australia A in Mackay. The issue erupted when umpire Shawn Craig mandated a change of the match ball due to noticeable scratch marks, which he attributed to India A players, causing frustration among the Indian players and igniting a heated exchange.

"Given that India is coming here this summer, it feels like CA just wanted this issue to disappear quietly," Warner told reporters. "If the umpires saw something questionable, then it’s only fair that CA follows up with a statement explaining what happened."

The umpire’s remarks, captured via stump microphones, were stern, leaving no room for dispute. "You scratch it, we change the ball," Craig stated, adding that there would be no further discussion. This exchange visibly agitated India A’s wicketkeeper, Ishan Kishan, who expressed his discontent, calling it a "very stupid decision." Kishan’s comment was met with a warning from Craig, who said he would report the player for dissent.

Controversial ball change decision highlights umpire-captain tensions

The incident has divided fans and raised questions about officiating standards. Warner, a former opener who knows the weight of such allegations, urged CA to defend its staff if they back the umpire’s call. "If the umpires or match referee stand by the decision, CA should support them openly," Warner stated, emphasizing the importance of transparency.

Warner’s call for an official statement comes as CA clarified that the ball was changed due to "deterioration," not necessarily due to player interference. The match referee also informed both teams’ captains of the decision beforehand, with no further actions taken against any India A player. However, for Warner, the issue is far from closed.

"I think it’s only fair that CA makes a clear statement on this. We have a right to know what happened out there, especially with ball tampering such a sensitive topic in cricket."

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Warner’s stance has caught attention partly due to his own involvement in a high-profile ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, for which he served a year-long suspension. The ban stripped him of leadership privileges within the Australian squad, adding weight to his request for accountability from the current officials. Warner’s insistence on transparency reflects the sensitivity surrounding ball tampering and the lasting effects of such incidents on players and fans alike.

While CA’s current position suggests they don’t plan to revisit the matter, Warner’s comments may apply pressure for the organization to clarify the incident. The former cricketer’s comments indicate an underlying tension in maintaining transparency around contentious decisions, especially in the lead-up to major tours.

With Warner voicing his concerns, the ball-tampering controversy involving India A has sparked renewed debate over Cricket Australia's handling of sensitive incidents. Whether or not CA will issue the statement Warner demands remains to be seen, but the incident underscores the need for clarity, especially in light of ongoing scrutiny in international cricket.

 In a significant development for Australian cricket, Cricket Australia has lifted the lifetime leadership ban on David Warner, making him eligible to captain Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL). Warner, who was initially banned following the ball-tampering incident in 2018, presented his case to an independent three-member panel, which found him fully eligible for a leadership role, effective immediately.

Warner’s journey to redemption

Warner’s leadership ban followed his role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal during the Cape Town Test, where he was seen as the instigator of the plan. Along with Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft faced suspensions for their roles, but Warner was handed a lifetime leadership ban. Warner has since shown commendable behavior, with the panel noting his transformation and contrition. “His respectful and contrite tone, along with his acknowledgment of responsibility and extreme remorse, impressed the panel,” it noted in a statement.

In 2022, Warner attempted to appeal the leadership ban but withdrew, expressing frustration with the inquiry process. However, Cricket Australia revised its Code of Conduct, introducing an updated process for reviewing long-term sanctions, which ultimately led Warner to reapply. “I am pleased David has chosen to have his sanction reviewed,” said Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia.

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Support from cricketing legends and teammates

Warner’s hearing was attended by Trent Copeland, general manager of Sydney Thunder, and letters of support were submitted by notable figures, including Pat Cummins, Andrew McDonald, Greg Chappell, and Lisa Sthalekar. Former teammate Kane Williamson also supported Warner, indicating his positive influence both on and off the field. With this decision, Warner can now take up leadership roles in Australian cricket, starting with his BBL team, Sydney Thunder.

David Warner will not be considered for next year’s ODI Champions Trophy, despite his recent indication of willingness to play in the tournament after announcing his international retirement. Warner reiterated his decision to retire from international cricket after the T20 World Cup in a social media post, echoing his January statement that last year’s ODI World Cup would be his final appearance in the format. George Bailey, Australia’s national selector, confirmed that Warner is considered fully retired, emphasizing the appreciation of his legacy as an all-format player.

Warner’s retirement and selector’s perspective

David Warner’s announcement of his retirement from international cricket had been anticipated since he stated that the ODI World Cup would mark the end of his career in the format. However, his recent comments on social media suggested he might be open to participating in the 2025 ODI Champions Trophy. Despite this, George Bailey, Australia’s national selector, has clarified that Warner is fully retired and his contributions to the game should be celebrated. Bailey also noted that while Warner is moving on, the selectors are not disregarding other players in white-ball cricket as they shift their focus to future competitions.

“Our understanding is that David is retired, and [he] should be commended on what has been an incredible career across all three formats,” Bailey said. 

“The next T20 World Cup is 2026, so I imagine there may be some more changes than what we are seeing in this squad but specifically to those guys [Starc and Maxwell], no we haven’t had any conversations,” he added.

Australia’s squad adjustments and future plans

In preparation for upcoming tours and tournaments, Australia’s selectors have made several significant decisions. Matthew Wade appears to have played his last game for Australia, although this has not been officially confirmed. Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell have been rested for the T20I series but their long-term future in the format remains undecided ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The T20I squad for the tours of Scotland and England includes call-ups for Cooper Connolly and Jake Fraser-McGurk, following Australia’s Super Eight exit in the West Indies. Australia has nine T20Is scheduled this year—three each against Scotland, England, and Pakistan—before a break until next July, which begins a series of 17 games leading up to the next World Cup.

Reflecting on last month’s T20 World Cup, Bailey expressed frustration over Australia’s sudden exit, attributing it to defeats against Afghanistan and India after an unbeaten streak. He also praised Mitchell Marsh’s captaincy, who will lead both squads on the UK tour as Pat Cummins takes time off to prepare for the home summer.

“I loved the way he captained through the T20 World Cup,” Bailey said. “He was really clear on how he wanted to lead that team. He was as disappointed as anyone that we didn’t get to the end goal that everyone was hoping to achieve, but if you look at his early success rate as a captain across T20 he’s done a really great job.”

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Australia’s strategic adjustments and focus on nurturing new talent reflect their commitment to maintaining competitiveness in international cricket while respecting the contributions of veteran players like Warner.

David Warner has announced that he will be available to play for the Australian team in the Champions Trophy next year if selected. Warner retired from all formats of cricket after the T20 World Cup 2024, where he was the opening batsman for Australia. Following their exit in the Super 8 stage, many thought Warner had ended his international career.

He confirmed his retirement on Instagram but mentioned that he might return for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year if needed. Warner expressed his honor in representing Australia and said he would continue playing franchise cricket for a while. He also thanked his fans and teammates for their support.

Warner’s announcement and potential return

“Chapter closed!! It’s been an unbelievable experience to play at the highest level for such a long period. Australia was my team. The majority of my career was at the international level. It’s been an honour to be able to do this. 100+ games in all formats is my highlight. I want to say thanks to everyone out there who has made this possible. My wife and my girls, who sacrificed so much, thank you for all your support. No person will ever know what we’ve been through.”

“For all the cricket fans out there, I truly hope I have entertained you and changed cricket, especially tests, in a way where we scored a bit faster than others. We cannot do what we love without the fans, so thanks”.

“I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while, and I am also open to playing for Aus in the Champions trophy if selected. To the players and staff, thanks for putting up with me. No more what’s app junk, your ears are now going to be free of my voice. This team has had unbelievable success the Last few years and long may this continue. Pat cummins, Andrew old Mac and staff have got this,” said Warner.

Having retired from Test cricket earlier this year, Warner will now be working as a commentator for Fox Cricket.

Australia and Delhi Capitals (DC) opener David Warner recently opened up that he was hurt by the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) social media blocking him after a struggling 2021 IPL season. The veteran led SRH to a title run in 2016 and made one of the best from 2015 to 2020. However, Warner was removed as captain midway through in 2021 season, following which he was dropped during the latter part of the campaign as well.

David Warner played a key role for SRH

In a conversation on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, David
Warner said, “It did (hurt) because it was a sense of like hurt for fans. The fans are the most important relationship you could have. With the engagement with the fans that I had, with the team that I had was very good. Not sure why I was blocked. But, I did engage with a lot of fans on the social media side for SRH. I did feel it was my duty to engage with the fans, making sure they keep coming back. That’s what is most important.”

“But from the blocking point of view, I don’t know. I have been sitting on it for about 5 years. It was bizarre. At the end of the day, I still got fans who come onto my page and talk to everyone. So it’s great,” he added.

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However, David Warner played for SRH from 2014 to 2021 and scored 500+ in
each season except his final year as well. SRH finished at the bottom of the points table in 2021, winning only three out of 14 games as well, with the veteran scoring only 195 runs in eight games. David Warner lauded India and its people for always bringing positivity as well. However, he has become a fan favourite in India, having been part of the cash-rich league since 2009 as well.

“I enjoy every moment of my life” – David Warner

“I have a big smile on my face when I land here because everyone is such loving and positive people. In Australia, sometimes we have the tall poppy syndrome. Always the negative mindset before the positive mindset. As soon as you come here, everything is positive. People out here are loving life. In Australia, sometimes, we don’t ground ourselves enough,” said Warner.

“I came from a very humble upbringing. I didn’t have much at all, but I was happy when I hung around with my friends, playing football and cricket. I enjoy every moment of my life, because you never know when it can all be taken away. I don’t (have a house in India). I did look at some stages. I get a lot of people asking me if I want a house here. One day, maybe when I finish my cricket, I would like to come here and spend some time. Lifestyle is good. I am a people’s person. I go to the malls with my girls and I embrace everything,” concluded David Warner.

The Delhi Capitals (DC) squad is witnessing a blend of anticipation and concern as assistant coach Pravin Amre sheds light on the status of key players. Ishant Sharma, the seasoned pacer, is slated to rejoin the team by next week, marking a potential boost in their bowling lineup. However, the road to recovery appears more extended for opener David Warner, grappling with a lingering thumb injury sustained earlier this month.

Ishant Sharma’s Return and David Warner’s Injury

According to Pravin Amre, DC’s assistant coach, Ishant Sharma’s absence due to back spasms will soon end. However, the journey to full recovery for David Warner is expected to be more prolonged, given the nature of his left thumb injury.

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Ishant Sharma’s Back Problems

Ishant Sharma’s absence from the squad stemmed from persistent back spasms, hindering his participation in crucial matches. With his imminent return, DC anticipates a bolstered bowling attack, adding depth and experience to their lineup.

“Ishant has been having back spasms. He will also take a week to recover. By the time we return to Delhi he will be fit,” he added.

David Warner’s Left Thumb Injury

On the other hand, David Warner’s injury timeline remains uncertain, with estimations ranging from one to two weeks for recovery. The injury, sustained during a match on April 12, has prompted meticulous scans and rehabilitation efforts to ensure Warner’s swift return to peak form.

“Warner will take 1-2 weeks to recover. His scans revealed an injury,” Amre said.

Upcoming Matches and Team Dynamics

DC’s impending clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) underscores the significance of each player’s availability and form. With Sharma’s potential return on the horizon, DC aims to capitalize on his expertise to secure crucial victories.

Following the encounter with KKR, DC’s itinerary includes a home game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 7. The match assumes added significance as DC strives to maintain momentum and solidify its position in the playoff race.

Playoff Implications

As the league progresses towards the playoff stage, every match outcome carries profound implications for the standings. DC’s strategic prowess and adaptability will be tested as they navigate the complexities of player injuries and opposition dynamics.

Fraser-McGurk’s Explosive Batting

Amidst the uncertainties surrounding player injuries, the emergence of Jake Fraser-McGurk has injected a dose of excitement into DC’s campaign. The young Australian showcased his batting prowess with a scintillating innings, leaving spectators and analysts alike in awe of his talent.

“He is a natural. If you see his set-up, he believes in a stable base. And he has excellent hand speed. And when you are batting in the powerplay, you have only one fielder on the leg side. So that’s a good area to hit; even a mis-hit can get you a boundary. But if you see in this game, he played smart cricket. When the bowlers bowled wide, he hit a couple of sixes on the off side also. So he has that ability too, and his shot selection is very good,” Amre said.

The excitement is palpable as the Delhi Capitals gear up to host the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their first home game of the IPL 2024 season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. After playing their initial matches away from home, the Capitals are eager to showcase their prowess in front of their home crowd.

Delhi Capitals’ Performance Overview

The Delhi Capitals have had mixed results in the tournament so far. Led by skipper Rishabh Pant, they have shown moments of brilliance, but inconsistency has been a concern. However, their recent victory against the Gujarat Titans has injected confidence into the team.

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Injury Concerns for David Warner

One of the major talking points ahead of the clash is the fitness of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s star opener, David Warner. Warner injured his left hand during the previous match against Delhi Capitals and was sidelined for the subsequent game against the Gujarat Titans.

Ricky Ponting’s Update on David Warner

In a recent press conference, Delhi Capitals’ head coach Ricky Ponting updated David Warner’s fitness. Ponting expressed optimism about Warner’s recovery, stating that the opener was around 85 to 90 percent fit a few days ago. However, Ponting emphasized the need for Warner to undergo rigorous batting practice against fast bowling to ensure his readiness for the match.

“He was 85 or 90 percent fit a couple of days ago. We’d expect that he’d make a little bit more improvement today. But he’ll have to do a lot of batting today against fast bowling to make sure that the pain he had last week is not anymore. So, hopefully, he’s fit and ready,” said Ponting.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Dominance

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad has been in scintillating form in IPL 2024. The Orange Army recently registered a commanding victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore, breaking the record for the highest total in IPL history for the second time in the season. Their batting firepower has been unmatched, posing a formidable challenge for their opponents.

Ponting’s Views on Potential High-scoring Match

Looking ahead to the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ponting acknowledged the potential for a high-scoring encounter. With both teams boasting strong batting lineups, Ponting stated that he wouldn’t mind engaging in a shootout with Hyderabad if the match unfolds into a high-scoring affair.

Several key matchups will be worth watching as the Delhi Capitals prepare to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad. The battle between Delhi’s bowlers, Hyderabad’s power-hitters, and the potential return of David Warner will add intrigue to the contest.

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup draws near, Australia’s management is closely monitoring the fitness of two key players facing injury concerns.

Mitch Marsh is fighting with Hamstring Injury

All-rounder Mitch Marsh is currently grappling with a hamstring injury, leading him to depart from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and return to Australia for rehabilitation. While there’s optimism about his recovery before Australia’s first T20 World Cup match against Oman on June 5, uncertainty lingers over his participation in the later stages of the IPL with the Delhi Capitals. Marsh’s explosive batting and versatile skills make him pivotal to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, with strong chances of him being named as the team’s full-time captain.

“I think all roads will lead to Mitch, so just got to get that ticked off in certain areas,” McDonald said of the vacant T20 captaincy role.

“We’re happy and comfortable with the way he’s been able to operate with that T20 team.

“We think he’s the leader for the World Cup, and I think that will just be a matter of due course.”

David Warner’s injury worry ahead of T20 World Cup

Meanwhile, veteran opener David Warner has also encountered an injury setback, sustaining a finger injury while batting for the Delhi Capitals against the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. His fitness is under close observation as Australia gears up for their next IPL fixture against the Gujarat Titans. Warner’s role as a key player is crucial, especially as he’s expected to open the innings alongside Travis Head during the T20 World Cup.

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Injuries are always a concern, particularly in high-stakes tournaments like the T20 World Cup. Fans and management alike hope for swift recoveries for both players, ensuring their significant contributions to Australia’s campaign.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a cornerstone of cricketing excellence since its inception in 2008. Over the years, this money-rich T20 franchise league has not only showcased the talents of budding cricketers but also provided a platform for seasoned veterans to extend their careers.

As the 2024 edition of the IPL approaches, speculation mounts about the potential swansongs of celebrated players who have graced the tournament with their brilliance. Now, for many players, this IPL 2024 might be the last time they are featuring in this cash-rich league. Take a look at 5 players who might not feature in the next IPL season.

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)

Despite advancing age and concerns about fitness, MS Dhoni has defied expectations with his enduring presence in the IPL. After winning his fifth IPL title in 2023, Dhoni’s future in the tournament remains uncertain as he approaches the age of 43.

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After winning his fifth IPL in 2023, many expected him to announce his retirement, seeing he was not the same player throughout the season, but Dhoni made no such announcement. Speculations abound that IPL 2024 might mark Dhoni’s final hurrah, with fans bracing themselves for the possibility of bidding farewell to the iconic former Indian captain. 

Dhoni’s contributions to Chennai Super Kings and his indelible impact on the league make his potential retirement a momentous event in IPL history. This year, he handed over the captaincy of CSK to Ruturaj Gaikwad. In July 2024, MS Dhoni will be 43. Being a wicket-keeper and one about to reach 43, Dhoni’s appearance in the 2025 season looks improbable.

Amit Mishra (Lucknow SuperGiants)

Amit Mishra, the seasoned spinner, made a remarkable comeback to the IPL in 2023 at the age of 40, signing with the Lucknow Super Giants. With 166 wickets in 154 IPL games, Mishra’s illustrious career has been characterized by his guile and mastery over spin bowling.

The spinner stood out with his crafty bowling and wicket-taking prowess and has been in contention for the prestigious purple cap for more seasons than not during his long spell in the T20 league. However, citing his advanced age, he could be on his last legs as well.

Renowned as the “Hat-trick Man,” Mishra etched his name in IPL history by claiming three hat-tricks in the 2008, 2011, and 2012 seasons. His ability to outsmart batters with his crafty bowling has been instrumental in his team’s success over the years.

David Warner (Delhi Capitals)

David Warner, the highest-scoring overseas batter in IPL history, could be nearing the twilight of his IPL career. With a string of stellar performances and a cult following in the Indian subcontinent, Warner’s potential retirement would mark the end of an era in T20 cricket.

The maverick opener is likely to play his final T20 World Cup this year, and the southpaw, who has created a cult following in the Indian subcontinent with his brilliant batting and off-the-field antics, could also be inching towards retirement from the IPL.

As Warner prepares to play his final T20 World Cup, speculation mounts about his retirement from the IPL. With close to 6400 runs to his name, Warner’s legacy as one of the IPL’s most iconic batters is firmly established.

Ishant Sharma (Delhi Capitals)

Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma, who missed the 2022 season, returned to the IPL in 2023 with Delhi Capitals. 35 years old, Sharma acknowledges that IPL 2024 could be his final season, marking the end of a distinguished career.

Ishant made his IPL debut in 2008. He has played 105 matches to date in his IPL career, and he took 86 wickets, with an average of 35.24, conceding nearly 8.20 runs per over with a best individual figure of 5/12. In the IPL Auction 2024, the Delhi franchise acquired the services of Ishant Sharma for Rs 50.00 Lac. The 35-year-old is not part of the Indian team anymore, and he also knows that this could be his last season in the IPL.

Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings)

Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran Indian opener, will be playing his 17th straight season in the IPL. Leading Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, Dhawan’s illustrious career may be nearing its conclusion. Retirement looms on the horizon, and with his growing age, there are very few chances that he will continue playing in 2025.

PBKS bought him in a 1pl 2022 Auction for 8.25 Crores. Dhawan, a consistent run-getter in the competition, is the second-highest run-getter in the IPL’s history. With a wealth of experience under his belt and a large number of runs against his name, the swashbuckling left-hander will be crucial to PBKS’ fortunes.

He made his IPL debut in 2008. Shikhar Dhawan has played 221 matches to date in his IPL career and has scored 6,755 runs, with an average of 35.37. He has also slammed 2 centuries and 51 half-centuries, with his highest IPL score being 106* runs. Shikhar Dhawan has hit 766 fours and 152 sixes in his IPL career. He has played for six different franchises in his IPL career, but the 39-year-old is more likely to retire after the IPL in 2024.