Former Australian opener David Warner has been charged with mid-level drink driving following an incident in Sydney on Easter Sunday. Police stopped Warner’s van near a roadside breathalyzer unit in Maroubra, where he was found to have a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit.
Warner allegedly told officers he had three glasses of wine at a friend’s house before driving back to his residence. He was arrested at the scene and taken to Maroubra Police Station for further testing where a blood alcohol level of 0.104 was found. Warner is due to appear at Downing Center Local Court on May 7.
The incident occurred while Warner remains active in franchise cricket. He currently captains Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League and recently scored a half-century in Lahore on April 2. He had an outstanding Big Bash League season with Sydney Thunder earlier this year, averaging 86.6 and earning a place in the official team of the tournament as captain.
Warner retired from Test cricket in 2024 as one of Australia’s most prolific batsmen. In 112 Tests, he amassed 8,786 runs at an average of over 44, including a career-best 335 not out against Pakistan. He also recently accepted a role as a commentator on Fox Cricket.
Cricket NSW, an organization that strongly advocates safe driving, confirmed the allegations on Wednesday. Chief executive Lee Germon said Warner was aware of the seriousness of the allegations and that the organization would support him in the legal process while stressing the importance of road safety education.
Reports suggest the allegation could have ramifications outside the courtroom, potentially affecting Warner’s professional links with road safety initiatives associated with Cricket NSW and Transport for NSW. The cricket body has reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible behavior among players.
This is not the first time Warner has faced public scrutiny. His career was previously marked by his involvement in the 2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, a controversy that attracted widespread attention. A current drink-driving conviction adds to the ongoing challenges in his high-profile career.
Warner has continued to play T20 cricket at home and abroad since the end of international cricket in 2024. He was reportedly granted permission to spend Easter with his family in Australia before the incident.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
08 Apr 2026 18:11 IST
