Shane Warne to receive state funeral, confirms Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
India Today
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday announced that late spin legend Shane Warne would receive a state funeral.
Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday said the nation was bewildered by the sad and sudden loss of Shane Warne and announced the cricket legend would receive a state funeral.
"In recognition of Warne's "national achievements, his family will be offered a state funeral," Morrison said in a statement.
"This will be done in consultation with the Warne family," he said, promising to ensure we honour Shane's passing and memory."
A family statement on Friday said Shane Warne died due to a suspected heart attack and doctors tried to unsuccessfully revive him.
The Great Southern Stand at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) will also be renamed in honour of Warne with Victoria's minister for tourism and sport, Martin Pakula, making the announcement on Saturday morning after consulting with Victoria premier Daniel Andrews, MCC Trust chairman Steve Bracks and MCC CEO Stuart Fox.
"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," Pakula said.
"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.
