Kevin Pietersen leads tributes to Shane Warne after his shock death
‘F***!!!!!!!! RIP King’: Kevin Pietersen leads the stunned reaction to the news of Shane Warne’s shock death at 52, with Ben Stokes, Ian Bell and Shoaib Akhtar leading the tributes from across cricket and sport
- Australian cricket hero has died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 52
- His friend, the former England all-rounder Kevin Pietersen, tweeted ‘f***’
- Current England star Ben Stokes joined cricketers past and present in tribute
The world of cricket has reacted with shock to the news of Shane Warne’s death from a heart attack at the age of 52.
The iconic Australian leg-spinner passed away in Thailand of a suspected heart attack, his management company said in a statement.
The former England all-rounder Kevin Pietersen, who was a close friend of Warne’s, tweeted ‘F***’ when the news broke followed by a string of crying emojis and the hashtag #RIPKing.’
The current England all-rounder Ben Stokes posted: ‘Australian Legend. @rajasthanroyals Legend. Was an honour to know you and work with you. This man is a LEGEND. #theking’
English cricket legend Ian Botham wrote: ‘I’ve lost a great friend on and off the playing field. “One of the best” my thoughts are with Jackson Summer & Brooke….RIP Warnster.’
Former England captain Michael Vaughan posted a broken heart emoji with the caption: ‘Love ya king.’
The England team held a minute’s silence for Warne ahead of the fourth day of their tour match in the West Indies.
Kevin Pietersen tweeted ‘f***’ in a stunned reaction to the death of legend Shane Warne
Kevin Pietersen (right) tweeted his stunned reaction to the news of his friend Warne’s death
England all-rounder Ben Stokes expressed his shock at the news of Shane Warne’s passing
Cricket legend and commentator Ian Botham said his thoughts were with Warne’s family
Former England captain Michael Vaughan posted a simple message with a heartbroken emoji
The Indian cricket hero Virender Sehwag described Warne as one of the ‘greatest spinners’
Shadab Khan said that Warne had been his inspiration to become a leg spinner
Ex-England batsman Ian Bell wrote: ‘Surely not??? Utterly heartbreaking.’
‘There are no words. A hero growing up and the greatest player I ever played against. I can’t believe it. My thoughts are with his loved ones.’
England Cricket’s official account posted a tribute to their long-time rival writing: ‘One of the greatest of all-time. A legend. A genius. You changed Cricket. RIP Shane Warne.’
Lancashire and England cricketer Liam Livingstone stated that Warne was the reason why he wears the number 23 jersey.
He wrote: ‘ The day I get my kit, with my new squad number… all came from one man, my idol growing up, the reason I bowl leg spin and the reason I now wear 23. Sad day for the world of cricket!! RIP @ShaneWarne a true cricketing legend!’
Luke Wright, who played alongside Warne for the Melbourne Stars, commented: ‘Shocked and incredibly sad to hear that Shane Warne has passed away. It was a dream come true playing along side him for the @StarsBBL. Thoughts with his family. RIP Shane.’
England’s official account posted a black and white image of Warne after playing against them
Liam Livingstone wrote that Warne was the inspiration as to why he wears the number 23
Luke Wright paid tribute after playing alongside Warne while playing for the Melbourne Stars
The Pakistani former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar tweeted: ‘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.’
Rohit Sharma posted on Twitter: ‘I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it.’
Indian cricket hero Virender Sehwag tweeted: ‘Cannot believe it. One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more.
‘Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world.’
Pakistani cricketer Shadab Khan said: Heartbroken about @ShaneWarne’s news. Rest in peace legend. I used to keep watching him take wickets on TV. So when I started proper cricket, I decided to become a legspinner. Have no words to express my sorrow. Prayers for the departed and family.’
India’s Dinesh Kharthik was unable to register the shock news of Warne’s passing
Former footballer and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was ‘saddened and shocked’
The Indian player Dinesh Kharthik wrote: ‘Shane Warne… Really!!! Tell me it’s not true please. The world will remember you… Rest in Peace #Legend.’
Warne’s management released a brief statement on Friday saying that he passed away in Thailand of a suspected heart attack.
He is believed to have been in Ko Samui at the time of his death.
‘Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,’ the statement reads.
‘The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.’
England’s players held a one minute’s silence in Warne’s memory before their tour game in Antigua
Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan wrote: ‘Sad, speechless, and completely shocked. An incredible loss to cricket. I have no words. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the sport. Rest in Peace, Shane Warne. Sending my condolences to his loved ones.’
His team-mate Jasprit Bumrah wrote: ‘Shocked beyond words. A legend of our game, an icon, and someone who revolutionised spin bowling. RIP Shane Warne.’
Tributes also came in from the world of sport with former England footballer and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker writing: ‘Terribly saddened and shocked to hear the news that Shane Warne has died. The greatest spin bowler of all time. Can’t quite believe it. RIP Shane.’
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