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Shane Warne (Image Credit: Twitter)
The untimely demise of Shane Warne shocked the entire world. On Friday (March 4), the legend passed away due to a suspected heart attack, while in Thailand. The entire cricket fraternity expressed their grief and mourned his death.
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Thus, as a tribute to the legendary spinner, the Great Southern Stand at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will be renamed to S.K. Warne Stand. Martin Pakula, the Victorian Sports Minister, announced the same on Saturday. He also mentioned that this will be done as soon as possible.
It is to be noted that Warne died at the age of 52. Further, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo, several citizens of Melbourne gathered around his statue at the MCG to lay flowers. In the meanwhile, Pakula confirmed that he had a word with the respective authorities to rename the Great Southern Stand the S.K. Warne stand. He also stated that this would be the finest tribute to Warne.
I can think of no finer tribute: Martin Pakula
"We will be renaming the Great Southern Stand the S.K. Warne stand and we'll be doing that as soon as we possibly can. I can think of no finer tribute to the greatest cricketer this state has produced than to rename the stand the S.K. Warne stand and no matter whatever happens to that stand in the future whether it's rebuilt, refurbished, renovated, it will remain the S.K. Warne stand in perpetuity because his legend will live in perpetuity," said Martin Pakula.
Cricket Australia chairman Dr. Lachlan Henderson also confirmed that he had spoken to the Prime Minister, in order to rename the Great Southern Stand. He felt that it would be an ideal acknowledgement for Warne. He also stated that the legend was an "icon".
"That would seem a very appropriate acknowledgement of Shane Warne. He's been an icon of the game, obviously with St Kilda Cricket Club, Victoria, our Australian team for so many years. He also played cricket all around the world. So it's a very fitting tribute," said Henderson.