Australian Cricketing Great Shane Warne Passes Away at 52

Shane Warne in 2015. Photo: Tourism Victoria from Australia, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Shane Warne, Australian spin bowling legend who had a career spanning 15 years and boasted thousands of prized wickets taken, died in Thailand earlier today, Fox Cricket reports. A heart attack is suspected as the cause of Warne’s sudden demise.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” Warne’s management told Fox Sports in Australia in a statement. “The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course,” the statement added.

Warne started off in 1992 as a bowler, making his way into the test and one-day international (ODI) sides of Australia in 1992 and 1993 respectively. Following his retirement in 2005 from the Australian cricket team, the leg spinner went on to become part of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket team Rajasthan Royals between 2008 and 2011. He won the IPL’s inaugural edition in 2008 with the Royals as well. His ODI wicket tally stood at 293 wickets, while he claimed 708 wickets in test matches for Australia.

On and off the field, Warne was considered a colorful personality and often referred to as a playboy in a sport that was considered the gentleman’s game. Warne was handed a one-year ban on the basis of breaching the drug code in 2003 and bore fines for statements to the press, on-field conduct and connections with bookmakers. As a commentator following his retirement, Warne brought his signature sense of wit and charm to the mic.

Warne’s shocking loss is mourned by cricketing personalities from all around the world, including India. Spin bowling legend Anil Kumble reacted in a tweet, saying, “Oh God! This is terrible news. Shocking.” Harbhajan Singh, considered a counterpart to Warne, tweeted, “Can’t believe you are no more @ShaneWarne. RIP my HERO .. don’t wanna believe this .. totally shattered.”

This is a developing story.