Karachi Kings skipper David Warner has been charged with driving under the influence in Sydney’s eastern suburbs during the Easter Sunday period. The ex-Australian opening batsman, currently leading Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), had returned to Sydney for a brief break during a gap in the tournament schedule.
New South Wales Police reported that a 39-year-old man was pulled over for a random breath test on South Dowling Street around 11:20 pm on April 5. Warner allegedly tested positive during the roadside check and was subsequently escorted to Surry Hills Police Station for further breath analysis.
Official police records revealed that Warner recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.104, exceeding Australia’s legal limit of 0.05. He was issued a court summons for driving with a mid-range alcohol level, putting his New South Wales driving license at risk of suspension.
A spokesperson from the New South Wales Police Force stated that Warner has been summoned to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on May 7 and has been released pending the court date.
Concerns have arisen within the Karachi Kings team due to the timing of the incident as the PSL nears its crucial phase. However, it is believed that Warner’s participation in the rest of the tournament is not in immediate jeopardy.
In Australia, a mid-range drink-driving offense typically does not lead to travel restrictions or passport confiscation unless specific flight risk factors are identified. As Warner has not faced any restrictive bail conditions, he is free to depart Australia.
Warner is anticipated to rejoin Karachi Kings for their upcoming match against Peshawar Zalmi on April 9. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet released an official statement on potential disciplinary actions, with off-field legal matters usually treated as private issues unless they tarnish the game’s reputation.
Warner’s court appearance falls after the conclusion of the PSL season, allowing him to fulfill his commitments in Pakistan before returning to Sydney. If found guilty, a mid-range PCA offense in New South Wales carries penalties such as a fine of $2,200, imprisonment, and a mandatory license disqualification period.
Before returning home briefly, Warner had delivered an exceptional performance for Karachi, including a rapid 36-ball half-century in their triumph over Rawalpindi on April 2.
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