"Means a lot to me" - David Warner returns as Sydney Thunder's captain ahead of BBL 2024-25

With Cricket Australia (CA) lifting David Warner's lifetime leadership ban, the Sydney Thunder appointed him captain ahead of the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). The left-handed batter had successfully appealed his leadership ban last month as the apex body of cricket in Australia decided to end the same.

CA had imposed a lifetime leadership ban on the 38-year-old due to his chief role in the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 during the South Africa tour. With Warner part of the international team, he made only a handful of appearances for The Thunder, playing only eight games across the last two seasons. With the southpaw now retired from international cricket, he can play in the BBL more regularly than usual.

In a statement, the New South Wales cricketer expressed pride in returning as captain and was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au:

"Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me. I was part of the team from the start, and now to be back with that ‘C’ next to my name feels fantastic. I’m looking forward to leading from the front and sharing my experience with the young talent coming through."

The dynamic opening batter captained the franchise in 2011 in their first-ever fixture against the Melbourne Stars. It was the only match that Warner had played that season but he left a massive impact, scoring an unbeaten 102 to drive the Thunder to a convincing victory.

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"They’re fearless and have so much potential" - David Warner on the youngsters in Sydney Thunder

David Warner. (Image Credits: Getty)

Warner remarked the likes of Ollie Davies, Jason Sangha, and Sam Konstas have bright futures with the team as he is looking forward to passing all his knowledge to them.

"One of the most exciting parts of this role is the chance to give back to the younger players, to pass on some of the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years. We have an incredible group of young players like Ollie Davies, Jason Sangha, and Sam Konstas. They’re fearless and have so much potential. My goal is to guide them, help them learn the game, and ultimately give them the tools to thrive both in the BBL and beyond," he said in the same interaction.

The 14th season of the BBL begins on December 15, 2024.