BBL 2024-25: David Warner named Sydney Thunder captain

Former Australian opener David Warner has been appointed captain of the Sydney Thunder franchise for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

Warner's appointment was made after Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct Commission lifted the leadership ban imposed on him last month, which had been put after his involvement in 2018 Newlands ball-tampering episode came to light. 

"Quite clearly that was the last piece of that puzzle for me, and now it's about coming out and sharing my knowledge of the game. Forever, that was probably going to be on my CV as well. You don't want to look back when you go for a job interview and have 'banned for life from a leadership perspective' on your CV. That's something that I'll be able to now share with my girls moving forward that I'm able actually to be a leader," Warner said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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This is a huge moment for David and for our club: Trent Copeland

Warner admitted that two years ago, he had nearly given up hope of returning to leadership positions. The southpaw even pointed out that the scandal is history now and he is excited to lead the Thunder franchise.

"I think two years ago that was probably me done. I thought I probably wouldn't revisit that. I didn't even know if I was going to come back and play Big Bash. I was at that stage I was playing a Test match series [in 2022]...it could have easily been done prior to the series started but that's why I withdrew it and I wanted to revisit that now. It's all done and dusted. I'm not playing for the Australian cricket team anymore and we don't have to put the team in the spotlight," he added.

Thunder's General Manager, Trent Copeland, also spoke about Warner's appointment and mentioned the impact on his fellow teammates and the community.

"This is a huge moment for David and for our club. It's not only about his career; it's about the legacy he's creating, especially for his family and the next generation of players. For the fans in Western Sydney who've long recognised David as a Thunder legend, it's a special moment to now see him as their captain. This captaincy is about more than cricket; it's about community, legacy, and helping our younger players gain the skills they need to succeed," Copeland said.

Warner's previous leadership experience with Thunder was back in 2011 when he memorably scored an unbeaten 102 against Melbourne Stars as captain. He will succeed Chris Green, who led the team last season.