Australian cricketer Shane Warne died of a suspected heart attack, Fox Sports reported. Warne was found unresponsive in his villa, in Koh Samui, Thailand. He was 52.
“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course,” read the statement released by Warne’s management.
Warne played in the Indian Premier League and other Twenty20 competitions before retiring from all international cricket in 2013 but continued to be involved in the game as a broadcaster.
The news of Warne’s death came within 24 hours of the passing for another former Australian cricketer, Rod Marsh, after he suffered a major heart attack last week.
Warne was born in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in 1969, and studied on a sports scholarship. Affectionately known as ‘Warnie’, he made his Test debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground against India and catapulted to international recognition, in 1993, when he delivered what came to be known as the “ball of the century”.
His international career spanned across 15 years and saw him take 708 Test wickets — the most ever for an Australian, and the second-most of all time behind only Muttiah Muralitharan. Warne was also a member of Australia’s World Cup win in 1999.
Warne is survived by children Jackson Warne, Summer Brooke, and Brooke Warne.
Members from the cricket community expressed their grief and condolences on social media.
Virat Kohli, former captain of the Indian cricket team, took to social media and wrote, “Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball.”
Wasim Akram, renowned Pakistani fast-bowler, wrote on Twitter, “I am shocked and extremely sad to hear about the sudden death of my friend Warnie… he has always been in touch and always helpful.. apart from an iconic bowler he was a great entertainer… my condolences to the family and friends .. rest in peace my friend.”
Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistani cricketer, wrote on Twitter, “Just heard the devastating news about legendary Shane Warne passing away. No words to describe how shocked & sad i am. What a legend. What a man. What a cricketer.”
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Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle wrote, “I am in agony. Grief. And have no words. I was lucky enough to know him well. The magic will stay forever. #ShaneWarne #GreatestOfHisKind. In disbelief.”