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The life ban handed to a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club following ugly scenes in the Lord's Long Room during the last Ashes series could be overturned.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the organisation is reconsidering the life ban that was handed to one member, who was part of a group that insulted Australian players as they left the field for lunch during the second Test in 2023.
Usman Khawaja and David Warner were two players who stopped and argued with those hurling abuse, with the pair identifying the hostile patrons to surrounding officials.
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The incident came shortly after Alex Carey stumped Jonny Bairstow, prompting accusations that Australia had disrespected the spirit of the game.
Usman Khawaja was less than pleased at the behaviour of members inside the Lord's Long Room. Nine
Three members were sanctioned for the act, with one receiving a four-and-a-half-year ban and another hit with a 30 month ban, which is set to expire at the end of this year.
The third member was expelled from the club.
Sources close to the situation told the the Herald that the life ban is under review, despite an appeal having been lodged at the time of the incident.
However, the MCC have since appointed a new independent disciplinary panel chair, James Counsell, who has the power to revisit the penalties that had been given.
Australian great Mark Taylor admitted at the time that the penalties were "harsh but fair" while Khawaja said he "expects a lot better from the members".
As for if the sanction should be overturned, Khawaja was not opposed to that occurring.
"As long as he's learnt from it," Khawaja told the the Herald.
Usman Khawaja Getty
"I'm a big believer in second chances, as long as you learn from your mistakes.
"If these guys have learned from their mistakes and they're never going to spray players as they're walking off the field 30cm from their face, that's fine.
"But there needs to be some sort of remorse and understanding shown and that's for the MCC. I'm all for second chances, I'm not the guy to hold grudges, but I do think you need to learn from your mistakes and avoid doing them again."
Since the incident, the shared space between the members and players in the Lord's Long Room has been closely monitored to prevent similar situations from unfolding.
The first Ashes Test will take place at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21.
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'Not the guy to hold grudges': Usman Khawaja unfazed as officials weigh up overturning life ban from Lord's incident – Nine
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