Royals to celebrate life of former skipper Warne in Mumbai tie

NAVI MUMBAI: Rajasthan Royals will celebrate the extraordinary life of legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne, who died recently, during their IPL match against Mumbai Indians here on Saturday.

Warne had lifted the inaugural IPL trophy after the Royals beat Chennai Super Kings by three wickets in the final in 2008, and his former franchise said it will pay tribute to its first captain to coincide with the team’s triumph exactly 14 years back. The franchise said Warne’s brother, Jason, will also be part of the celebration as he has accepted an invitation from the Jaipur-based side.

“It is befitting that the same stadium where Warne lifted the IPL trophy will see the cricketing world come together to pay their respects and celebrate his life,” the franchise said in a release. “The franchise would like to iterate that it will not be an occasion to mourn, but to commemorate the great man, and salute him for his neverending contribution to the game of cricket.”

The Rajasthan Royals playing squad will sport special initials ‘SW23’ on leading collars of their official playing kits to pay tribute to the Australian.

A special area at the DY Patil Stadium has also been turned into a Shane Warne Tribute Gallery, which all the ticket-holding fans will be able to visit and experience.

“The Royals have also reached out to the batch of 2008 and are appreciative of everyone who has sent in their tributes for the greatest leg-spinner of all time. These tributes will be made available on matchday on Rajasthan Royals’ social media.”

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