Williamson replaces Warner as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain

Kane Williamson has been appointed Sunrisers Hyderabad captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

Sunrisers Hyderabad will be playing its first match against Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad on April 9.

Kane Williamson has been appointed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League season, after disgraced David Warner was barred from playing the tournament by the BCCI.

"We are happy to announce Kane Williamson as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2018," K. Shanmugam, CEO of SRH confirmed on Thursday.

Both Warner and Steve Smith, have been banned by Cricket Australia for 12 months for their involvement in ball-tampering episode in the Cape Town Test that rocked world cricket in the last few days.

Read: Smith, Warner banned from IPL

Smith had earlier relinquished his position as captain at Rajasthan Royals and on Wednesday it was Warner who also gave up the role.

"I've accepted the role to stand in as captain for this season. It's an exciting opportunity with a talented group of players and I look forward to the challenges ahead," Williamson said after being appointed the skipper.

The 11th edition of IPL starts April 7, with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings locking horns at the Wankhede Stadium. SRH will be playing its first match against Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad on April 9.