Shane Warne's Family Asks For Renaming MCG's Great Southern Stand As 'Shane Warne Stand'- Reports

Legendary Australia player Shane Warne’s family is reportedly said to request the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to rename the ‘Great Southern Stand’ as Shane Warne Stand in recognition of the former leg-spinner’s services for the Australian national team.

Warne died of a heart attack on March 4 at Koh Samui island in Thailand at the age of 52. It was revealed on Monday by an autopsy that the Australian player’s death was caused by natural reasons. The former Australian player’s family have revealed that he had been suffering from heart issues and asthma just weeks before his death, and had also completed a 14-day only liquid diet.

Victoria government promised to rename MCG’s biggest stand as S.K Warne stand

Just after the news of his sudden demise, the MCG and the Victorian government announced that the Great Southern Stand will be called the S.K. Warne Stand in honour of the Australian legendary spinner.

“I’ve just informed the Warne family that the government will rename the Great Southern Stand at the MCG — the place he took his hat trick and 700th wicket — to honour Shane and his contribution to the game,” Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews wrote on his social media handles just days after Warne’s death.

Shane Warne family wants the stand to be renamed as ‘Shane Warne Stand’: Reports

‘SK’ stands for the initials of the wily bowler’s full name Shane Keith Warne but the former player’s family has reportedly requested for the stand to be instead named ‘Shane Warne Stand’.

According to Seven News reporter Tom Browne, as published on Fox Sports Australia’s website, Warne’s family has informed the MCC of the iconic leg spinner’s preferred option.

“My understanding is that it will be called the Shane Warne stand. I spoke to a senior government source who emphasised the final decision will be down to the Warne family,” Browne said.

The Great Southern Stand is the largest stand at the MCG, having the capacity to hold 45,000 people, almost half of the stadium’s total capacity of 100,000.

Also Read: Petition Demanding Knighthood For Shane Warne Gains Support After His Demise