Australian cricket legend Greg Chappell has called for lifting the leadership ban on David Warner, as he feels the swashbuckling opener has served his punishment for his role in the infamous ball-tampering scandal of 2018.

Warner and Steve Smith, the vice-captain and captain of the Australian cricket team at the time of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in 2018, were both banned for a year, while the opener was handed a lifetime ban on leadership roles in Australian cricket.

Well, after serving their bans, they all returned to action, and Smith was appointed vice-captain of the Test team ahead of the Ashes 2021-22.

Now Greg Chappell feels Warner should also be allowed to take up a leadership role, as he shouldn’t be treated differently.

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Notably, Warner was the main instigator in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, hence Cricket Australia banned him for life from leading any team in Australian cricket.

Greg Chappell told Fox Sports News: “He obviously had a central role in what happened but he was not the only one that was involved and I don't know why he should be treated any differently.”

The former skipper signed off by saying, “He's served his punishment; he is a good leader in the side and not doubt if he had had the opportunity, I'm sure he would have captained the side quite well. I think he's paid his penalty and it's time to open it up for leadership roles.”

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said last week that although Warner was an "outstanding" leader in the side there were no plans to rescind the ban.

(With Reuters Inputs)