David Warner apologises for skipping IPL 2015 opening ceremony

David Warner

Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper David Warner has apologised for missing out on attending the opening ceremony of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday. The 28-year-old expressed regret on Twitter at not being able to be present for the gala event and added that he would be reaching India today.  

Sorry I could not be @IPL opening ceremony, I'm on my way today. Very excited to be with my team mates @SunRisers

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) April 8, 2015

Prior to the start of each IPL season, all the captains are supposed to pledge their allegiance to the Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) Spirit of Cricket campaign by signing on a bat, but Warner’s absence meant that Shikhar Dhawan had to do the honours on his behalf.  

All the other 7 captains, including Shane Watson and George Bailey, who were part of Australia’s victorious World Cup campaign, were present for the opening ceremony. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni was the first to sign on the bat while compatriot Virat Kohli, who will lead the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was the last.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s opening game of the new season is against the mighty Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 11.