David Warner Archives

Karachi Kings announce David Warner as captain for PSL 11

Karachi Kings have retained Australian legendary batter David Warner as captain for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, set to begin on March 26.

The announcement was made via the franchise’s social media handle, accompanied by an animated graphic.

“The leader, the legend, the King, David Warner returns as captain, ready to take the #KingsSquad to new heights in the upcoming season of the #HBLPSL,” the caption of the post read.

Warner’s retention as captain underscores the franchise’s confidence in his vision and ability to inspire the squad both on and off the field.

After taking the helm in HBL PSL 10, Warner’s second consecutive term as captain aims to turn last season’s momentum into a championship run.

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Last year, Warner made his debut in the PSL, amassing 368 runs in 11 matches, including three half-centuries at a strike rate of 153.97.

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Earlier today, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the complete schedule of PSL 11.

This will be the first time eight teams will feature in the tournament since its inaugural edition in 2016.

The tournament will begin on March 26, with the opening match scheduled between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

The 2020 champions, Karachi Kings, will begin their campaign against Quetta Gladiators on March 27 in Lahore.

Overall, 44 matches will be played across the tournament, including the final, which will also have a reserve day.

READ: PSL 11 to commence from March 26 as PCB unveils schedule

David Warner, Usman Khawaja among players registered for PSL 11 auction

Retired Australian batting greats David Warner and Usman Khawaja are among the biggest names to have registered for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 player auction, set to take place on February 11, 2026.

A total of 879 overseas cricketers from 24 countries have signed up for the league’s first-ever auction.

Australia leads the list with 60 registered players, including Warner and Khawaja alongside Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner, Jake Fraser-McGurk, William Sutherland, Moises Henriques, Jason Behrendorff, and Tanveer Sangha.

PSL 11 represents a significant transformation in the tournament’s player recruitment system, as the traditional draft format has been replaced by a full-scale auction for the first time since the league’s inception.

Each franchise has been allocated a purse of PKR 450 million for squad building, with an additional PKR 55 million reserved for direct signings under the new model.

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All participating teams, including the two newly-added franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallionz, have already confirmed their retentions ahead of the auction.

Most franchises have also announced their direct signings, with Quetta Gladiators being the only side yet to reveal theirs.

Meanwhile, Multan Sultans remain in a unique position heading into the auction. The franchise, currently without an owner, will enter the bidding process with a full purse after retaining no players and making no direct signings.

Notably, the Multan franchise is scheduled to be sold through a separate auction in Lahore on February 9, just two days before the PSL 11 player auction.

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Warner names Usman Khawaja’s replacement in Test side

David Warner has named opener Matt Renshaw as the long-term replacement of Usman Khawaja in the Australia Test side.

Khawaja, 38, has been in the spotlight after being ruled out of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba due to injury.

The southpaw could not field in the opening Test because of a back spasm, which subsequently pushed Australia to move Travis Head up the order with debutant Jake Weatherald.

Speaking ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, Warna answered questions about Usman Khawaja’s place in the side ahead of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, starting on 17 December.

Warner backed Khawaja to open, stating that Travis Head batting down the order will pose a major threat to England bowlers.

“I think Uzzy (Khawaja) comes back in, slides to the top, and Trav (Head) goes down,” Warner told reporter.

“That’s probably a worse result for England, Travis Head going back down the order,” he cautioned.

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The 39-year-old emphasized Head’s attacking mindset, noting that the left-hander will be ready to bat up the order if needed.

“At the end of the day, Travis put his hand up to bat in the situation he was in,” he explained.

“He came out and batted in the way Travis Head does. You see plenty of interviews from Trav saying that is Uzzy’s spot, and if when the time comes they ask him to go up the order, he wouldn’t mind to do that.

David Warner also named Matt Renshaw as Usman Khawaja’s successor in the Australian Test side while admitting that the former has to score runs in a bid to extend his career.

“But moving forward, Renshaw could be one (option for replacement). I think he’ll slide straight back in there. He’s had a taste of Test cricket,” Warner said.

The 29-year-old Matt Renshaw has played 14 Tests and scored 645 runs at an average of 29.31, with his last Test appearance coming against India in 2023.

At the end of the day, you still have to score runs.” “You’ll deserve the dream farewell if you score runs and the selectors stick by you,” he concluded.

READ: Finch hails Pakistan players as ‘global superstars’ ahead of BBL

Warner backs ‘super fit’ Kohli to play until 50

Former Australia opener David Warner has lavished praise on India ace batter Virat Kohli and backed him to play until the age of 50.

During the last ODI between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Warner was seen chatting with Kohli.

Warner has now shared a video on social media, revealing the details of the conversation with the legendary batter.

“I hadn’t seen Virat in quite a while, so I just embraced him, gave him a handshake and a hug, and asked how he and the family were doing, said Warner.

We spoke a little about cricket, and I told him he looks super fit and can play until he’s 50,” Warner revealed.

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This comes after the speculation and debate regarding Virat’s retirement from International cricket. The right-hander has already hung up his boots in T20Is and Test cricket.

The uncertainty cloud regarding his future grew after he had bagged back-to-back ducks in the first two ODIs.

However, the veteran batter returned to form in style in the final match, where he struck an unbeaten 74, which guided India to a nine-wicket victory over Australia.

He partnered with Rohit Sharma, who also scored a sublime century and took his side home, eventually avoiding Australia a clean sweep.

Virat Kohli is now set to feature in the forthcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, which will commence on November 30 in India.

READ: Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen proposes reforms to take PSL to next level

Joe Root responds to David Warner’s ‘surfboard’ remark ahead of the Ashes

England’s star batter Joe Root has responded to Former Australia opener David Warner ahead of the much-anticipated Ashes 2025-26, which is set to commence in November.

A few weeks ago, David Warner, currently playing in ‘The Hundred’ in England, highlighted flaws in Joe Root’s batting.

“The big anchor there is Rooty, who is yet to score a hundred in Australia. “Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He will have to take the surfboard off his front leg,” he said.

Joe Root has responded while speaking on a British News outlet, stating that he is unfazed by the remarks.

“Just that. I have no control over how people perceive the game or discuss it in an interview. Nothing new, is it? You know there are going to be storylines and people wanting to hype up a big series,” he said.

Does not really change anything. It is sort of irrelevant to me. What can I do about it? Just make sure it is not a talking point in six months or 100 days’ time,” he added.

He further stated about his calm demeanor and helping his team get a good start.

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“When you get out there, you have to got to try and impact the game and help your team get off to a good star,” Joe Root explained.

Business as usual as far as I am concerned. I guess it is all part of the fun. We will see what happens out there [with Warner at Lord’s during The Hundred, where they are playing for Trent Rockets and London Spirit respectively]. It is not really in my nature to get too verbal,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that Joe Root, now the second-highest scorer in Test cricket, has yet to score a Test century in Australia.

Overall, England batting maestro Root has scored only 892 runs in Australia at a modest average of 35.68, which falls short of his standards.

Notably, since the start of 2022, he has notched up 15 centuries at a stellar average of 64.64.

The Ashes 2025-26 is set to begin in Perth on November 21, followed by a day-night match in Brisbane, the third Test in Adelaide, and the traditional Melbourne and Sydney Tests in December and January.

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Stuart Broad responds to David Warner’s ‘surfboard’ jibe at Joe Root ahead of Ashes

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has hit back at ex-Australia opener David Warner, who took a cheeky dig at Three Lions ace batter Joe Root ahead of the Ashes 2025.

Warner, who is set to feature in The Hundred, shared his views on Joe Root during a recent show with the BBC Sports.

“The big anchor there is Rooty, who is yet to score a hundred in Australia,” Warner said.

“Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He will have to take the surfboard off his front leg,” he added.

Bowlers To Dismiss Joe Root Most Times in Tests

11 – Pat Cummins (AUS)

11 – Jasprit Bumrah (IND)

10 – Josh Hazlewood (AUS)

9 – Ravindra Jadeja (IND)

England’s ace batter Joe Root has notched up 15 Test centuries since the start of 2022 at a stellar average of 64.64; however, the right-hander has struggled in Australia, scoring only 892 runs at a modest average of 35.68 according to his standards.

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Interestingly, Joe Root, who has 37 Test centuries to his name, is yet to score a ton in Australia, having played 15 matches so far.

Now, Stuart Broad has replied to Warner’s comments, specifically addressing the reference to ‘surfboard’.

“I’ve never heard England’s best ever batters front pad called a surfboard,” Broad tweeted. Just for clarity. Hazlewood has got Rooty LBW in Test cricket three times. Three,” Broad remarked on his X handle.

Most LBW dismissals in Tests since 2013

51 – Joe Root (ENG)

36 – Virat Kohli (IND)

33 – Steve Smith (AUS)

31 – Kraigg Brathwaite (WI)

30 – Jonny Bairstow (ENG)

Joe Root has been dismissed LBW the most (51) times since the start of 2013, accounting for 19.39 percent of his wickets. Notably, the recently retired Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, who will be featuring in the Ashes 2025, are in second and third spots, respectively.

Most LBW dismissals in Tests since 2013

51 – Joe Root (ENG)

36 – Virat Kohli (IND)

33 – Steve Smith (AUS)

31 – Kraigg Brathwaite (WI)

30 – Jonny Bairstow (ENG)

For the unversed, the Ashes 2025 will commence on 21 November at the Perth Cricket Stadium in Australia, with the home team currently holding the trophy after retaining it in 2023 with a 2-2 draw against England.

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Mitchell Owen joins David Warner, Ricky Ponting in elite list

KINGSTON: Australia all-rounder Mitchell Owen finds himself in elite company with Ricky Ponting and David Warner following his outstanding debut performance in the first T20I against the West Indies here on Sunday.

Owen, playing his maiden international match, smashed a quickfire 50 off just 27 deliveries and picked up a wicket with the ball to script a memorable debut.

Chasing a competitive 190, Australia were in trouble at 78/4 when Owen joined Cameron Green in the middle. The duo added a crucial 80-run stand for the fifth wicket, with Green hammering 51 off 26 balls.

Owen’s aggressive strokeplay helped Australia wrest back control before he was dismissed by Alzarri Joseph soon after reaching his half-century.

Despite his departure in the 17th over, the visitors chased down the target with seven balls to spare, sealing a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

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With his half-century, Mitchell Owen became only the third Australian to score a T20I fifty on debut, joining David Warner, who made 89 against South Africa in 2009, and Ricky Ponting, who struck an unbeaten 98 against New Zealand in 2005.

Speaking after the match, Owen said he stuck to his natural game despite being slotted into an unfamiliar No. 6 role.

“I honestly tried not to look at the field too much and just sort of react to each ball, which I think held me in good stead,” he said.

“It’s obviously a little bit different [batting at No. 6], but my game plan wasn’t too different from opening.

“We had to strike at 9s or 10s when I came out, so I stayed positive. If I took my time trying to settle in, I’d only dig myself a hole. So I just tried to go after them from ball one.”

READ: Debutant Mitchell Owen stars as Australia defeat West Indies in T20I opener

PSL 10: David Warner reflects on loss to Islamabad United

RAWALPINDI: Karachi Kings captain David Warner has shared his thoughts after the defeat against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Chasing a daunting 252-run target, Karachi Kings’ batting unit folded on 172 runs in 18.2 overs.

David Warner remained the top scorer with 43 off 28 balls, striking two sixes and four fours. For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan starred with the ball, taking four wickets in his four overs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Alex Hales was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding knock. Playing his first match of the season, Hales scored a 35-ball 88, an innings that featured eight sixes and half a dozen fours.

The victory helped Islamabad United end their losing run and claim the second spot in the PSL 10 points table, tying on 12 points with Karachi Kings, but remaining ahead due to a better Net Run Rate (NRR).

Karachi Kings will now face arch-rival Lahore Qalandars in the eliminator on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

While speaking in the post-match presentation, David Warner aimed for a stronger comeback to clinch the second PSL title.

“We can let this one go and focus on winning the remaining three games to secure the silverware. We have a couple of days to regroup, and we must bounce back stronger,” he said.

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David Warner highlighted Karachi Kings’ game plan, noting that they did well till the 9th over. He lamented the performance in all three departments of the game.

“The target was big, but we were confident about chasing it. We aimed to show intent in the first six overs, and our priority was to win the game.

We did well until around the 8th or 9th over, but then it slipped out of our hands. Our performance fell short in all three departments—batting, fielding, and bowling,” Warner concluded.

READ: PSL 10 playoffs schedule confirmed as top four teams seal their spots

David Warner Credits Experience, Team Balance in Karachi Kings’ Playoff Push

Karachi Kings captain David Warner credited experience and explosive finishing as the key factors in his side’s victory over Peshawar Zalmi, a result that sealed their place in the playoffs of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Speaking after being named Player of the Match for his 86 off 50 balls, Warner said the game plan was clear from the toss.

“As I said at the toss, we wanted to bat first,” Warner remarked. “After the first wicket, it was about assessing the conditions.”

“Early on, me and James [Vince] knew it was a good wicket, so we just played normal cricketing shots. With the experience both of us bring, we knew if we stayed for around 10 overs, we could try and back-end it.”

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Warner and Vince combined for a 162-run partnership off 89 balls for the second wicket, laying the foundation for a massive total. Though Warner admitted they left “a little bit out there,” he was all praise for the finishing act.

“The way Khushdil [Shah] and [Mohammad] Nabi came out and finished it off was amazing,” he said, referring to the duo’s 70-run stand off just 24 balls that powered Kings to 237-4.

Reflecting on his own form and mindset, David Warner joked about the advantage of being “old” in cricketing terms.

“The best thing about being old [chuckles] is that you’ve played a lot of games,” he further stated.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“I think it’s about playing the game in front of you. When you’re batting in the top order, you have time on your side. For us, it was all about building a partnership and momentum to set things up for the backend.”

Warner also hailed his bowlers, particularly Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali, for delivering under pressure.

“Mir Hamza is our strike bowler. We want him to swing the ball up front, and he does exactly what I ask,” he said.

“He’s been exceptional in the powerplay. Hasan Ali just brings so much energy, and the knowledge he has of the game is phenomenal.”

READ: Khushdil Shah credits self-improvement after quick-fire knock against Peshawar Zalmi

Six Overseas Stars Confirm Availability for Karachi Kings in PSL 10

Six key overseas players of Karachi Kings, including captain David Warner, have confirmed their availability for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The tournament, which was briefly suspended last week due to rising cross-border tensions with India, is all set to resume on May 17 with Karachi Kings facing Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

David Warner will lead the charge among returning overseas stars, joined by wicketkeeper and opening batter from New Zealand, Tim Seifert.

England’s James Vince, who is the top run-scorer for Karachi Kings in this season, has also confirmed his return.

Moreover, Scotland’s dynamic batter George Munsey has also joined Karachi Kings for the remaining matches of the PSL 10.

Known as the reverse-sweeping demon of the Associate world, George has been a regular in Scotland’s T20I side in the past couple of years.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Rounding up the line-up, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Ben McDermott and Afghan legend Mohammad Nabi have also confirmed their availability for the remaining matches.

Notably, Rawalpindi will host three matches, including a double-header on Sunday, May 18, with Quetta Gladiators taking on Multan Sultans in the afternoon, followed by a clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars in the evening.

The last match at the venue will see defending champions Islamabad United face Karachi Kings on May 19.

After that, the action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host the business end of the tournament.

The Qualifier, Eliminator 1, and Eliminator 2 are scheduled for May 21, 22, and 23, respectively, with the grand final to be played on May 25.

READ: Babar Azam reflects on Mohammad Rizwan’s ‘Win or Learn’ remark