New Delhi, April 27: Rajasthan Royals will pay tribute and celebrate the extraordinary life of their first Royal – Shane Warne, whose sudden disappearance, at the age of just 52, shocked the sports world and beyond.
Warne was one of the greatest cricketers of all time, who not only adored and embraced the IPL as an idea and tournament, but was also its greatest supporter. In 2008, during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), it was the Australian legend who led the Rajasthan Royals to claim the first ever IPL Trophy at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, and the match on April 30. 2022, where the Royals take on the Mumbai Indians, will also be played at the same venue.
Based on the alignment with this momentous event, the franchise decided that there couldn’t be a better day and place to celebrate ‘Warnie’s’ life and contribution, and also present his fans around the world with the opportunity to celebrate and remember. . the genius that he was, Shane Warne.
It is fitting that the very stadium where Warne lifted the IPL trophy sees the cricket world gather to pay their respects and celebrate his life. The franchise would like to reiterate that this will not be an occasion to mourn, but rather to commemorate the great man and salute him for his endless contribution to the game of cricket, as well as impacting thousands of lives around the world through the words of the. , energy and actions both on and off the field.
The celebrations will be franchise-led and supported by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and official broadcaster Star Sports, and the Royals wish to acknowledge and thank both of them for their continued support and wish. to make this day a momentous occasion for all, including past, current and future players who have idolized Warne, learned from him and had the privilege of playing with or against him.
A special invitation has also been sent to Warne’s family and we are delighted that his brother, Jason Warne, is flying to Mumbai to join us in the celebrations. The Royals also reached out to the 2008 batch and thank everyone who sent in their tributes for the greatest game changer of all time. These tributes will be available on match day on Rajasthan Royals social media as well as on the Star Sports broadcast.
The Rajasthan Royals game kit will sport the special initials “SW23” on the main collar of their official game kits, paying tribute to the legend and carrying his presence with them throughout the match.
As a show of respect, among other dedicated tributes, a special area at DY Patil Stadium has also been converted into a Shane Warne Tribute Gallery, which all ticket-holding fans, as well as DY Patil University students, will be able to see. to visit and experience.