Karachi Kings Refute Warner Pitch Discontent Rumors

'Warner did not storm off or leave in frustration'

By DTD- On Apr 10, 2025

KARACHI — The Karachi Kings have firmly denied recent media reports suggesting their captain David Warner abruptly left a training session in frustration over pitch conditions, calling the rumors “unfounded and misleading.”

Contrary to the claims, Warner actively participated in a productive training session at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, which kicks off on April 11. The Australian star spent time batting on the academy’s practice pitch for over three overs before rejoining his teammates for an intra-squad match at the Oval Ground, where he also contributed in the field.

Reports had alleged that Warner stormed off the training due to dissatisfaction with the practice surface, citing his preference for flatter pitches as opposed to Pakistan’s traditional green and turning tracks. However, team sources confirmed that Warner simply chose to skip a media event that day to focus on his squad’s performance and preparations.

The absence of Warner from the PSL 10 captains’ conference — attended by five other franchise captains — had fueled speculation. Karachi Kings were instead represented by their newly named vice-captain Hasan Ali. Other captains present included Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars), Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi), Shadab Khan (Islamabad United), and Saud Shakeel (Quetta Gladiators).

Insiders clarified that Warner’s absence from the media event was pre-planned, given that the previous day’s training was called off and he wanted to make the most of the available window to assess his players in match conditions.

Warner, a marquee signing for Karachi Kings, will lead the side into their PSL 10 campaign opener on April 12 against Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The tournament opener on April 11 will see defending champions Islamabad United take on Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The Karachi Kings’ PSL 10 squad includes David Warner (captain), Hasan Ali (vice-captain), Kane Williamson, Abbas Afridi, Adam Milne, James Vince, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mahmood, Litton Das, Mir Hamza, Fawad Ali, Riazullah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Mohammad Nabi, and Mirza Tahir Baig.

The franchise reiterated its full confidence in Warner’s leadership and preparation strategy, emphasizing that the team is fully focused and united ahead of the much-anticipated tournament.