Warne allowed to play charity matches

Shane Warne has been given permission to play in charity and testimonial matches during his ongoing 12-month drug ban. Cricket Australia (CA), while suspending Warne for his use of diuretics just before the World Cup this year, had included charity and testimonial games in the ban. The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), the body that represents the players, had challenged CA's authority on this matter. The independent arbitrator who took up the case has now ruled in favour of Warne.

Peter O'Callaghan, the barrister arbitrating this case, agreed with the ACA that the memorandum of understanding between the ACA and CA did not give CA the right to prevent players from playing in matches that were not under its aegis. O'Callaghan is expected to give detailed reasons for his decision by the end of this week, with neither party allowed to comment on it until then. Both sides, however, have agreed to abide by the decision.

The issue arose when Warne was earlier approached by Lashings, the English charity side, but was not allowed to accept the offer by CA. Warne, who is allowed to train with state and national sides and take part in coaching and promotional clinics, protested, and the matter duly reached arbitration.