Former Australian opener David Warner has been named the captain of Karachi Kings for the upcoming tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. Warner, who was Karachi Kings’ first pick in the January draft, replaces Shan Masood as the team’s skipper.
Warner’s Excitement and Karachi Kings’ Expectations
Expressing his enthusiasm for the leadership role, Warner stated, “We have a fantastic line-up, and I’m super excited to take on the role of captain this year.” Karachi Kings’ owner Salman Iqbal praised Warner’s leadership credentials, stating that his “track record as a leader and match-winner aligns perfectly with our vision.” Despite the captaincy change, Iqbal acknowledged Masood’s contributions and expected him to remain a “key player in the squad.”
The Kings are determined to break their three-year playoff drought, having failed to replicate their 2020 title-winning success in recent seasons.
Warner’s Leadership Revival
Warner recently led Sydney Thunder to the Big Bash League (BBL) final in the 2024-25 season, marking a major milestone in his leadership career. His return to captaincy comes after Cricket Australia lifted his lifetime leadership ban, imposed after the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town.
PSL 2025 Replacement Picks Announced
Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United have secured key replacement picks for PSL 2025. South African all-rounder George Linde will replace Corbin Bosch, who has opted to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead. Islamabad United have drafted in Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey as a partial replacement for Rassie van der Dussen, who is set to miss part of the season for personal reasons.
These replacement picks were finalized in an online replacement draft held on Monday. Additionally, Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings have reserved slots for Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, respectively. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings have reserved their picks for New Zealand batters Mark Chapman and Kane Williamson.
PSL 2025 Schedule and Venues
The Pakistan Super League is set to commence on April 11 in Rawalpindi, with the final scheduled for May 18 in Lahore. With new leadership in Karachi Kings and key replacements across franchises, PSL 2025 promises to be a thrilling tournament.