LAHORE: Karachi Kings captain David Warner has expressed confidence in his team’s potential ahead of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), stressing the need to seamlessly integrate new arrivals and build on last season’s performance.
Speaking at the recent captains’ conference, Warner struck an optimistic tone about the upcoming campaign.
“Yeah, look, it’s great to have those guys as part of our team. For us, it’s about trying to emulate a little bit of what we did last year and see how we started last year,” Warner said.
The left-handed batsman faced the challenges of reduced slots this season, stressing the need for quick adaptation and improved consistency compared to the previous campaign.
“We had five home games and now we are here in two stadiums. No excuses—we have to get used to those places and adapt as quickly as we can. We can improve on last year,” he said.
Appreciating the team’s efforts in the player auction, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete strongly against other teams in the tournament.
“We have a good squad and I think we did well in the auction as well, which gave us a chance to compete against these guys and beat them all,” he added.
The opener further reflected his fitness and longevity, underlining his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition even late in his career.
“Yeah, look, at 39, I’m very fit. Probably more fit than most 39-year-olds around the world who are still playing this game. It’s all about eating healthy, running outside on the field, training hard and maintaining a long life.
The upcoming PSL season represents a major expansion, with eight teams participating for the first time.
The tournament is scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3, with the newly added Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindis participating in 44 matches in 39 days.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised its logistical plans, away from the original schedule that included venues such as Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad, and move the matches to Karachi and Lahore behind closed doors.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the decision after holding consultations with the owners and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Lahore will host Eliminators 1 and 2 and the finals, while Karachi is set for the qualifiers. There is no change in the opening match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Lahore Qalandars.
The Warner-led Kings will play their campaign opener against Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Karachi Kings Squad for PSL 11:
David Warner (catch), Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Kushtil Shah, Saad Paik, Moeen Ali, Azam Khan (week), Salman Ali Agha, Shahid Aziz, Mir Hamza, Adam Jamba, Mohammad Hamza Sohail, Aqib Ilyas, Khwaja Muhammad Ilyas, Khwaja Muhammad Heventse, Bin Danson Wantse, and Rizwanullah.