Shane Warne's Baggy Green auction raises over a million for bushfire victims
Commonwealth Bank were revealed to have put in the winning bid on Friday, 10 January. They said the cap would be taken on a tour across the country to raise further funds for bushfire victims, before ultimately joining the exhibits at the Bradman Museum at Bowral.
Shane Warne announced the decision to auction his cap for charity during Australia's New Year's Test against New Zealand. "The horrific bushfires in Australia have left us all in disbelief," he wrote on social media. "Lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed and over 500 million animals have died too. Everyone is in this together.
Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations ! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vyVcA7NfGs
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 9, 2020
"This has [led] me to auction [off] my beloved baggy green cap (350) that I wore throughout my Test career (when I wasn't wearing my white floppy hat)."
The new owners have been long-time partners of Cricket Australia. "I want to thank and commend Shane for giving up one of his most cherished possessions for such an important cause," CommBank CEO Matt Comyn said. "He has demonstrated the same Aussie spirit we are seeing across the country, with acts of generosity and dedication throughout this disaster, as communities rally to support each other."
We’re taking Shane’s baggy green on a national tour to raise additional funds for bushfire-affected communities before it becomes a permanent exhibit at the Bradman Museum in Bowral, NSW. https://t.co/rNBZkPaEEW
— CBA Newsroom (@CBAnewsroom) January 10, 2020
The initiative is one of several taken in support of those devastated by the fires. A group of cricketers have pledged to make donations for sixes hit and wickets taken during the BBL. Cricket Australia announced tribute and fundraising efforts during the New Year's Test and will also host ODIs whose proceeds will be donated. Another Australian legend, Jeff Thomson, too is auctioning his Baggy Green and knitted vest. Test captain Tim Paine and off-spinner Nathan Lyon also met rescue workers battling the fires.
Ahead of two T20 World Cups in the country this year, the ICC have urged the global cricket family to support relief efforts.