Shane Warne’s unexpected death continues to rock Australia and beyond; the sporting legend and larrikin was beloved by many cricket fans around the world.
With many people wanting to pay tribute to the ‘Spin King’, it’s fitting that Shane is to be farewelled with a state funeral.
WATCH: Shane – Official Trailer
On Saturday 5th March, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews offered a state funeral for the Melbourne-born spin bowler, to recognise “one of our greatest cricketers of all time”.
Shane’s family accepted the offer on Sunday 6th, with Dan Andrews saying the service would be “an opportunity for Victorians to pay tribute to (Shane’s) contribution to his sport, to our state and the country”.
The funeral has been organised by the Federal and Victorian governments, Cricket Australia, and Shane’s family.

On Tuesday March 9th, Dan Andrews confirmed Shane’s funeral will take place on the evening of 30th March at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, saying there was “nowhere in the world more appropriate to farewell Warnie”.
It was at the MCG that the spin bowler completed his famous hat-trick in 1994, as well as his 700th Test wicket on Boxing Day in 2006 – which was to be his final test before retiring.
In honour of the late legend and “his contribution to the game”, the Victorian Government also made the decision to rename the Great Southern Stand at the MCG.
“The S.K. Warne Stand will be a permanent tribute to the amazing Victorian.”
A private ceremony for Shane’s family was held earlier this month.

Who is attending?
Over 50,000 people are expected to attend the service, which will begin at 7pm (AEDT) and last for around two hours.
Fellow cricketers Brian Lara, Wasim Akram, and Nasser Hussain are expected to attend, along with other celebrity friends including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Kylie Minogue.
Eddie McGuire will be hosting the funeral, and musicians including Elton John, Robbie Williams, Chris Martin, and Ed Sheeran are to perform remotely for the service.
Where to watch?
There will be live free-to-air television coverage of the service across many networks, with the ABC, Nine, and Seven all confirming they will be broadcasting the funeral.
The Victorian Government will also be live-streaming the service via their website.
It can also be viewed via Foxtel’s Fox Sports and Kayo without a relevant subscription.

On March 5th 2022, Australians woke to the news that Shane had been found unresponsive in a hotel room in Thailand. Despite being given CPR, the former athlete was unable to be revived and was pronounced dead. His autopsy later revealed he died of natural causes.
In a statement regarding Shane’s death, the Prime Minister said he was “bewildered” by the “sad and sudden loss”, adding that the cricketer brought “something magical” to Australian summers.
“His achievements were the product of his talent, his discipline and passion for the game he loved,” Scott Morrison wrote.
“But Shane was more than this to Australians. Shane was one of our nation’s greatest characters. His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all…We have lost one of Australia’s greatest cricketers.”
Dan Andrews also made a statement following the news, saying that the state had “lost an icon” and the country had “lost a legend”.
“The entire cricket world is mourning the loss of the King,” the Premier wrote.
“Shane Warne didn’t just inspire a cricketing generation – he defined it,” he added. “Nobody who saw Shane Warne play with ever forget him.”

While many of Shane’s famous friends paid tribute to the great, none were more rocked than his parents, Keith and Brigitte, his brother, Jason, and his kids, Brooke, Jackson, and Summer.
In her personal tribute, the cricketer’s daughter Summer spoke about how her time with Shane was “robbed”.
“I want more holidays with you, more laughs where your smile lights up the whole room, more ‘goodnight I love you SJ, I’ll see you in the morning’, more talks about how our days were and just to feel safe when you would hug me and you would let me know how proud you are of me and how much you love me.
“You haven’t died Dad, you’ve just moved to a different place, and that is in our heart.”
For more on the life and legacy of Shane Warne, read the articles below
How did Shane Warne die? Inside the cricketing legend’s final moments
Celebrity tributes flow in for ‘Spin King’ Shane Warne following his sudden death
Despite his legendary cricket career, Shane Warne’s greatest achievements was his kids
Shane Warne’s family share heartbreaking statements following his death
Inside Jackson Warne’s close relationship with his father Shane
From Simone Callahan to Liz Hurley: Shane Warne’s love life was complicated but rewarding