PM Imran Khan grieved over Shane Warne’s death

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday expressed his grief over the death of former Australian spinner Shane Warne.

The prime minister, in a tweet, said that the late bowling genius, who took the art of leg-spinning to new heights, would be missed in the cricket world.

“Saddened to learn of the sudden passing of cricketer Shane Warne, a bowling genius who took the art of leg-spin to new heights. He will be missed across the cricketing world,” he posted on his Twitter handle.

Saddened to learn of the sudden passing of cricketer Shane Warne, a bowling genius who took the art of leg spin to new heights. He will be missed across the cricketing world.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 5, 2022

Warne, one of cricket’s all-time greats, died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 52 in Koh Samui, Thailand, where he had been on holiday.

As one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century, Warne had retired from the international cricket after claiming 293 wickets in ODIs and 708 wickets in Tests, the most by a leg-spinner in this format.

Warne had made his Test debut against India in Sydney in 1992. He was also an ODI World Cup winner in 1999.

“The game of cricket was never the same after Shane emerged, and it will never be the same now he has gone. Rest in peace King,” Cricket Australia, on its official web page posted a statement.

A tribute to the ? pic.twitter.com/hRAuacZ8fy

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 4, 2022

Shane Warne made his Test debut against India in Sydney on January 2, 1992. He played his last Test against England at Sydney on January 2, 2007. 

Shane Warne’s stellar international career spanned 15 years. He took 708 Test wickets—the highest ever for an Australian, and the second-most of all time. 

Warne was affectionately known as ‘Warnie’ and had millions of fans across the world.

The leg-spinner was known for his guile bowling and took a total of 1001 wickets. He became the first-ever bowler to scale the peak of 1,000 international wickets.

He was also the first captain to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 when he led the Rajasthan Royals.

Hours before his death, Warne had condoled the death of former Australia wicket-keeper Rodney Marsh who passed away earlier in the day.

The tweet, in which Warne expressed his sadness over the death of his compatriot, went viral after the news of his own death broke.

Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game & an inspiration to so many young boys & girls. Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate❤️

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 4, 2022