David Warner Likely To Attend Shane Warne's State Memorial Service In Melbourne, Could Miss Starting Games Of IPL 2022

Australia opener David Warner is hopeful of getting back to Australia after the completion of the Pakistan Test series to attend the memorial service of legendary spinner Shane Warne at the end of this month.

Warne died of a heart attack on March 4 at Koh Samui island in Thailand at the age of 52.

Shane Warne’s state memorial service to take place on March 30 in MCG

Warne’s state memorial service will be celebrated on March 30 with no limitations on crowd numbers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), as confirmed by Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews.

Warner is currently part of the Australian squad which is playing Test series against Pakistan in their backyard after a gap of 24 years. The first Test between the two teams ended in a draw after a run-fest in the five days.

Shane Warne is going to be dearly missed: David Warner

The Test series is scheduled to conclude by March 25 in Lahore. Warner said he will try to make to his memorial service in Melbourne.

“It (Warne’s death) really didn’t sink in at all and still hasn’t. He’s always stuck by me, and every time I’ve engaged with him in any way he’s always asked me to come for a beer, come to dinner, and wanted to give advice and help,” Warner told reporters. 

“He’s going to be dearly missed. I’ll be trying to get down there (for the memorial service),” the Australian opener added. 

Warner was purchased by Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 crores in the IPL 2022 auction but could miss the first few matches for the franchise if he attends the event in Melbourne. Delhi Capitals will play its first match against five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians on March 27 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

Warner scored 68 runs in Australia’s fightback in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, he added 156 runs for the opening stand with Usman Khawaja.

Also Read: Adam Gilchrist Reveals Details About Final Conversation Just 8 Hours Before Shane Warne’s Death