David Warner charged with drink driving in Sydney, to appear in court on May 7
HYDERABAD: David Warner, famed Australian cricketer and beloved former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, is set to appear in court next month for allegedly driving with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit on Easter Sunday.
The 39-year-old former Test opener was stopped at a roadside breath testing unit in Maroubra, Sydney, near his home. Police said Warner, driving a van, parked before the testing site. Officers approached, administered a breath test, and arrested him after he tested positive. He was taken to Maroubra police station for further tests.
According to The Guardian, Warner was charged after allegedly recording a blood alcohol level of 0.104, more than twice the 0.05 legal limit for fully licensed New South Wales drivers. The offense is considered mid-range drink driving.
He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear before the Downing Center Local Court in Sydney on May 7.
News of the charge has sent shockwaves through Warner’s massive fan base in Hyderabad and the Telugu states, where he remains an iconic figure. Warner captained Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2015 to 2021 (and briefly in 2023) . Under his leadership, SRH won IPL 2016 – the franchise’s only title to date. He won the Orange Cap three times (2015, 2017, 2019) as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, and he became the face of the franchise, known for his aggressive batting, energetic fielding, and passionate celebrations.
Beyond cricket, Warner endeared himself to Telugu fans by embracing Tollywood culture. He famously mimicked Allu Arjun’s signature style and the dialogue “Thaggede Le” from the movie Pushpa: The Rise. He also performed a dance to the song “Butta Bomma” with his wife, Candice, recreating Allu Arjun’s moves. These actions contributed to his status as a pop culture icon in the region.
The drink driving charge comes after Warner recently captained the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League, scoring 50 in their last game on April 2. Earlier, he starred in Australia’s Big Bash League, averaging 86.6 for the Sydney Thunder and earning captaincy of the official Team of the Tournament.
Warner retired from Test cricket in 2024 after scoring 8,786 runs at an average above 44 in 112 Tests, with a best of 335 not out against Pakistan. He now works as a Fox Cricket commentator.
Warner’s career includes controversy. In 2018, he was one of three players suspended for involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, earning a year-long ban. In 2013, he admitted to punching future England captain Joe Root at a nightclub after Australia’s Champions Trophy loss. Warner continues to play Twenty20 cricket for franchises worldwide. Most recently, he appeared for the Karachi Kings in the PSL last week.
Warner is scheduled to appear at Downing Center Local Court in Sydney on May 7. If convicted of mid-range drink driving, he could face substantial fines, licence disqualification, or even a prison sentence; however, first-time or low-range offenders are often fined and have their licence suspended.
